Birth of the Theotokos

    Mary’s parents, Joachim and Anna, were a very old couple, who lived in the small town of Nazareth. They wanted a child very much, but Anna just never became pregnant. They prayed frequently to God asking Him to give them a child. One day Anna was walking in her garden when she discovered a nest of birds. This reminded her that she was childless, and she began to cry. She then prayed again to God for a child, and pledged to dedicate the child to His service. Joachim also prayed to God for a child. God sent an angel who appeared to both Joachim and Anna at the same time, even though they were not together. The angel told them God would answer their prayers. About nine months later they had a baby girl and named her Mary.