God's plan for you...

We all have ancestors.
We wouldn't be the people we are if it weren't for them, the movement of which, and their choices, brought us to the start of ours.

But our lives are our own and our time is now... and the choices I make today influence all life...

According to tradition, Anna, the ancestor of God, lived for sixty-nine years, and her spouse Joachim, for eighty; according to one account, Saint Joachim died two years before Saint Anna. Mary The Theotokos (or translated - birthgiver of God) had been orphaned of both her parents by the time she was eleven years of age, and was living in The Temple (see the feastdays, Sept. 8 and Nov. 21).
For a child to be orphaned at this early age? Why...?

Would the parents of today give their children to God in a physical way, not having control over them?
Even go as far as to trust society (The Temple) with the most precious gift life has to offer (?!?!)


When it comes to the suffering of children, in whatever way, we cry and question when these heavy burdens are laid upon us, but looking at Anna, Joachim and their society, they were people of Faith and believed, even knew, their life had greater meaning and purpose.

The answer comes through the rest of HIStory -
Godly-minded Anna, thou didst give birth unto God's pure Mother who conceived Him Who is our Life. Wherefore, thou hast now passed with joy to thy heavenly rest, wherein is the abode of them that rejoice in glory; and do thou ask forgiveness of sins for them that honour thee with love, O ever-blessed one.
We celebrate now the mem'ry of Christ's ancestors, while asking their help with faith, that we may all be saved from all manner of tribulation as we fervently cry aloud: Be thou with us, O Lord our God, Whose pleasure it was to glorify them both.


O Lord, Grant to those with children, the grace to parent them in such a way as reflects Your love and care. Bless all homes, villages, towns and cities - every community therein to turn to Thee, The One who can heal them; and in healing them, heal and glorify society that it may Glorify Thee; Amen.
Also we thank Thee O Lord for the lives of our Ancestors, especially our Parents ,who have fallen asleep, saying; In the place of Thy rest O Lord, grant rest unto the souls of our ancestors, Now and ever and unto the ages of ages; Amen.