The merciful and abundantly giving Emperor looked upon the prayer of the righteous parents and sent word to each of them. The Archangel Gabriel brought the news to Joachim while he was praying in the temple. A voice from above was heard, saying to him, "You will receive a child who will be a glory not only for you but for the entire world." Joachim made this news known to the blessed Anna, but she did not cease her prayer to God with burning tears. And then, she also received the good news from God in the garden where she was offering her supplications and prayers to Him. The angel of God came to her and said, "God has heard your prayer, and you will give birth to the herald of joy, and you will name her Mary, for through her the salvation of the entire world will be accomplished!"
The annunciation was followed by the conception, and the barren Anna gave birth to Mary, the illuminator of all, for that is what the name Mariam means: the illuminator. Then, the honorable parents of the Blessed and Holy child had great joy, and Joachim prepared a feast and invited all the neighbors, educated or not, and all glorified God who had performed such a miracle for them. Thus, Anna's anguish was transformed into a higher glory, namely the door of God's door, a door to life and the beginning of her glorious sojourn. From now on, it is fitting that we should raise our word toward her higher glories and mysteries, through her grace, intercession, and help, for she is the cause and giver of all good things.
-Saint Maximos the Confessor, The Life of the Mother of God
