Prophetess Hannah Icon

The Prophetess Hannah Icon depicts Saint Hannah the Prophetess, the righteous woman who encountered the infant Christ in the Temple of Jerusalem and recognized Him as the promised Messiah. Her life is remembered for her long years of prayer, fasting, worship, and faithful expectation of the coming of Christ. The traditional egg-tempera technique gives the icon rich colors and carefully defined details, while the thick natural wood panel provides a substantial foundation for the hand-painted work. A protective varnish helps preserve the painted surface and craftsmanship.

Iconography and Symbolism:

Saint Hannah is traditionally depicted as an elderly woman wearing a head covering and modest garments, reflecting her life of devotion and dedication to God. In this icon, she holds a scroll containing words from her prophetic witness, emphasizing her role in proclaiming the significance of the Christ Child. According to the Gospel of Saint Luke, Hanna was the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher. She had been widowed after only seven years of marriage and remained in the Temple, serving God with fasting and prayers. When Christ was brought into the Temple, she came at that very moment and gave thanks to God, speaking about Him to those who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

Feast Day:

February 3 — Holy and Righteous Hanna the Prophetess

Gift Suggestions:

-Name-day gifts for those named Anna or Hannah
-Baptism and Christening gifts
-Gifts for mothers, grandmothers, and women of faith
-Housewarming and house blessing gifts
-A meaningful addition to a home prayer corner or Orthodox icon collection