Saint Anne’s Assumption Celebrated by Serbian Orthodox Church

The Serbian Orthodox Church marks the feast of the Assumption of Saint Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary, on this day. Although the main feast of Saint Anne falls in September, the celebration of her rescue (Uspenje) is observed in December. According to tradition, Anne lived fifty years child‑free with her husband Joakim before giving birth to the Holy Mother of God in her old age, making her a patron saint of women seeking children or a happy marriage. Believers, especially childless women, visit monasteries or churches dedicated to Saint Anne and recite a specific prayer asking for her intercession. Local customs also include rituals such as carrying ash or grain around the house to ward off evil, and women may stay at a convent for three days to pray for marital blessings.