Church Fathers Commentary Luke 2:36-37

"And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, and she had been a widow even unto fourscore and four years), who departed not from the temple, worshipping with fastings and supplications night and day." — Luke 2:36-37 (ASV)

St. Ambrose of Milan: Simeon had prophesied, a woman united in marriage had prophesied, and a virgin had prophesied. It was also fitting that a widow should prophesy, so that no sex or condition of life would be lacking. Therefore, it is said, And there was one Anna, a prophetess.

Theophylact of Ohrid: The Evangelist dwells on the account of Anna, mentioning her father’s tribe and adding, as it were, many witnesses who knew her father and her tribe.

Gregory of Nyssa: Or, because at that time several others were called by the same name, he mentions her father and describes the character of her parents so that there would be a clear way of distinguishing her.

St. Ambrose of Milan: Now Anna, from both the duties of her widowhood and her manner of life, is found to be such that she is considered worthy to announce the Redeemer of the world. As it follows: She was of a great age, and had lived with her husband...

Origen of Alexandria: For the Holy Spirit did not dwell in her by chance. The highest blessing, if anyone can possess it, is the grace of virginity. But if this is not possible and a woman happens to lose her husband, she should remain a widow. Indeed, she ought to have this commitment in her mind not only after her husband's death but even while he is living, so that if widowhood does not happen, her will and determination might still be crowned by the Lord. Her words should be, “This I vow and promise: that if a certain condition of this life befalls me (which I do not desire), I will do nothing else but remain chaste and a widow.”

This holy woman was most justly considered worthy to receive the gift of prophecy, because by long chastity and long fastings she had ascended to this height of virtue, as it follows: who departed not from the temple with fastings and prayers...

From this, it is plain that she possessed many other virtues. Notice how she resembles Simeon in his goodness, for they were both in the temple together and both were considered worthy of prophetic grace, as it follows: And she, coming in at that very moment, gave thanks to the Lord.

Theophylact of Ohrid: That is, she gave thanks for seeing the Savior of the world in Israel, and she testified about Jesus that He was the Redeemer and the Savior. Therefore, it follows, And she spoke of him to all...

Origen of Alexandria: Because Anna’s words were not remarkable and of no great significance concerning Christ, the Gospel does not give the details of what she said. Perhaps for this reason, one may suppose that Simeon spoke before her, since he indeed represented the law (for his name signifies obedience), while she represented grace (which is the interpretation of her name), and Christ came between them.

Therefore, He allowed Simeon to depart in death with the law, but He sustains Anna to live on through grace.

The Venerable Bede: According to the mystical meaning, Anna signifies the Church, who at present is a widow because of her Husband's death. The number of the years of her widowhood also marks the time of the Church, during which, established in the body, she is separated from the Lord.

For seven times twelve makes eighty-four. Seven refers to the course of this world, which revolves in seven days, while twelve refers to the perfection of apostolic teaching. Therefore, the universal Church, or any faithful soul that strives to devote its entire life to following apostolic practice, is said to serve the Lord for eighty-four years.

The period of seven years during which she lived with her husband also corresponds to this. For through the prerogative of our Lord's greatness—by which He taught while abiding in the flesh—the number seven was taken to express the sign of perfection.

Anna also corresponds to the mysteries of the Church, as her name is interpreted as “grace.” She is the daughter of Phanuel (which means “the face of God”) and is descended from the tribe of Asher (which means “the blessed”).