Sixth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord

There was a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, from the tribe of Asher. She was very advanced in years, and she had lived with her husband for seven years from her virginity. And then she was a widow, even to her eighty-fourth year. And without departing from the temple, she was a servant to fasting and prayer, night and day. And entering at the same hour, she confessed to the Lord. And she spoke about him to all who were awaiting the redemption of Israel. And after they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their city, Nazareth. Now the child grew, and he was strengthened with the fullness of wisdom. And the grace of God was in him.