Saint Anna the Prophetess is the only woman of the New Testament who is called a Prophetess. Very little reliable information has been preserved about the life of St. Anna. The Gospel says that Anna is Fanuilov's daughter, and after her husband's death, she did not remarry. Saint Anna is mentioned in the event when the Christ child was brought to the Jerusalem temple.

Throughout her long life, Saint Anna led a righteous lifestyle, serving God with her prayer and fasting. When she saw the Savior born in the Jerusalem temple, confirming the prophecy of Simeon the God-Receiver, she began to preach the message of the Messiah.

Initially, in the ancient Russian tradition, Saint Anna was depicted on the icons of the Presentation of the Lord behind the Virgin, sometimes in profile with a prophetic gesture or pointing a finger at Christ. Anna the Prophetess was often represented as an old woman with an extremely emaciated face and gray hair. In some paintings, Saint Anna holds an expanded or collapsed list, on which are written the words about the imminent deliverance of all those living in Jerusalem. There is also another version of the text, which talks about the baby who created heaven and earth.

It is customary to honor St. Anna the Prophetess on August 28 and February 3. This saint is recognized as the patroness of widows, nuns, and single women. Saint Anna is usually prayed for a righteous lifestyle in solitude and widowhood, strengthening of strength in prayer and fasting, and support in childlessness. Saint Anna is also considered the patroness of babies. She should be prayed to if a child is ill. Because Anna led a righteous and pious lifestyle, she was awarded the right to see the newborn Christ in the temple. Those who lack humility in life, who want to get rid of sorrow, who want to resist temptations and live a righteous life, should turn to St. Anna the Prophetess with prayer.