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Anna was a prophetess who was present when Jesus was first presented to God at the Temple in Jerusalem. She is mentioned once in the Bible and her story is given in Luke 2:36-38.
As a matter of Judaic law, a firstborn son was to be consecrated at the Temple. When Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to Temple, Anna was present.
Anna was a prophet and the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. We are not told why she was called a prophet. She was 84-years old and had been a widow for many years. She never left the temple and constantly worshipped and prayed there, and also fasted there.
When Anna met Joseph, Mary and Jesus, she gave thanks to God and told others about the child. Because of this, some people today refer to Anna as the first Christian missionary.
The name Anna means "grace" or "favor."
Next person in the Bible: Annas
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