On December 9, 2025, believers celebrate the Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary's righteous Anne, known as St. Anne's Day.
Since September 1, 2023, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) have switched to the New Julian calendar, causing all immovable holidays with fixed dates to be celebrated 13 days earlier.
History of St. Anne's Day
Anne and her husband Joachim could not have a child for a long time. However, after long prayers and reconciliations, Gabriel, the Angel of the Lord, appeared before them with the good news that they would become the parents of a Daughter who would bless the whole world. Anne and Joachim decided to dedicate their daughter Mary to the temple for the service of God. Indeed, nine months after the angel's announcement, Mary was born.
The Conception of St. Anne is depicted on most icons with images of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who tramples the serpent.
Traditions on St. Anne's Day
On this day, Orthodox believers pray in church for childbearing, for the health of the mother and child, for various family needs, and for healing from infertility. It is also important to adhere to the Christmas fast, refraining from consuming meat, dairy products, and fish.
Prayer to St. Anne
Intercessory Prayer to St. Anne
With a heart full of the utmost respect, I come before You, blessed St. Anne! ...
Prayer of an Expectant Mother for the Intercession of St. Anne
Glorious mother Anne, the Almighty Lord has made you the protector and intercessor of all pregnant women. ...
Prayer to St. Anne that Helps to Conceive
Hear us, Your servants (names of the couple), Almighty and Merciful Most High, may our ...
What Can and Cannot Be Done
- On St. Anne's Day, prayers for infertility are usually read, and Anne is praised as an assistant for pregnant women.
- In the past, pregnant women were forbidden to sew, embroider, and perform work to avoid harming the child. It was also advised to avoid quarrels and places with sick people.
- Beekeepers consider St. Anne's Day their professional holiday, praying for the health of bees and a large harvest.
- It is believed that before St. Anne's holiday, forest predators gather in packs.
- It is not recommended to quarrel, feel hatred, or envy others.
- On St. Anne's Day, no engagements or new acquaintances are made, but old relationships are not broken either.
Folk Signs on Winter Anne
- After St. Anne, the sun turns towards summer, and winter turns to frost.
- Clear sun predicts strong frost for the New Year holidays.
- Whatever Anne is like before noon, such will be winter until the end of December.
- When hoarfrost covers the trees, it is a sign of a good harvest.
The Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary by St. Anne is an important Christian holiday celebrated by Ukrainian believers. On this day, it is important to honor the saint, pray, and observe the traditions associated with this holiday.