Righteous Anna the Prophetess was descended from the tribe of Aser, and was the daughter of Phanuel. Having married, she lived with her husband for 7 years until his death. After his death, Righteous Anna led a strict and pious life, "not leaving the Temple, and serving God both day and night in fasting and prayer" (Lk. 2: 37). When Righteous Anna was 84 years old, she was vouchsafed to see at the Jerusalem Temple the Infant Jesus Christ, brought for dedication to God as a firstborn under the Mosaic law. Righteous Anna heard the prophetic words of Saint Simeon the God-Receiver, spoken to the MostHoly Mother of God. The Prophetess Anna together with Saint Simeon glorified God, and told everyone, that the Messiah was come into the world (Lk. 2: 38).

The memory of Righteous Anna occurs also on 3 February, when she is remembered together with Righteous Simeon the God-Receiver, on the Afterfeast of the Sretenie-Meeting of the Lord.