Joachim facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Saint Joachim
Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Virgin Mary
Father of the Blessed Virgin Mary; Confessor
Born	c. 75 BC Nazareth, Hasmonean Judea
Died	c. 15 BC Jerusalem, Herodian Kingdom of Judea
Venerated in	Roman Catholic Church Eastern Catholic Churches Eastern Orthodox Church Oriental Orthodox Church Anglican Communion Lutheranism Islam
Canonized	Pre-Congregation
Feast	26 July (Anglican Communion), (Catholic Church); 9 September (Eastern Orthodox Church), (Greek Catholics); Calendar, 1738-1913); 16 August (General Roman Calendar, 1913-1969)
Attributes	Lamb, doves, with Saint Anne or Mary
Patronage	Fathers, grandparents. Adjuntas, Puerto Rico; Dolores, Eastern Samar; Fasnia (Tenerife)

Joachim (pronounced Joe-a-kim) was, according to Christian tradition, the husband of Saint Anne. He was also the father of Mary, who became the mother of Jesus. His name means "he whom Yahweh (God) has set up."

The story of Joachim and Anne first appeared in an old book called the Gospel of James. This book is part of the Biblical apocrypha, which are writings not included in the official Bible. Joachim's feast day is July 26, a date he shares with Saint Anne.

Joachim in Christian Tradition

The story of Joachim, his wife Anne, and the special birth of their child Mary was first told in the 2nd-century book called the Gospel of James. This book is also known as the Protoevangelium of James.

Joachim was a rich and religious man. He often gave money and help to people who were poor. However, some people doubt that he owned many animals.

At the temple, Joachim's offering was not accepted. This was because he and Anne did not have children. In those times, not having children was sometimes seen as a sign of God's unhappiness. Because of this, Joachim went into the desert. There, he did not eat for 40 days and prayed for forgiveness.

Then, Angels appeared to both Joachim and Anne. They promised the couple that they would have a child.

Joachim later returned to Jerusalem. He met Anne at the city gate in the Walls of Jerusalem. There was an old belief that a child born to older parents, who had almost given up hope, was meant for great things. Similar stories are found in the Old Testament. For example, Sarah, the wife of Abraham, gave birth to Isaac when she was old. Also, Hannah gave birth to Samuel. In the New Testament, the parents of St John the Baptist were also older.

The stories about Joachim and Anne became very popular. They were included in a famous book called the Golden Legend around 1260. These stories were often shown in Christian art. However, the Council of Trent (1545–1563) later limited showing stories that were not in the official Bible.

Saint Joachim's celebration day was not in the first official Catholic calendar. It was added in 1584 on March 20. Later, in 1738, it was moved to a Sunday near the Assumption of Mary. Pope Pius X (who was Pope from 1903 to 1914) moved it again to August 16. This was the day after the Assumption, so people could remember Joachim when celebrating Mary. In 1969, his feast day was joined with Anne's on July 26.

12th-century German painting of the Nativity of Mary. Joachim is wearing a Jewish hat.

The Eastern Orthodox Churches and Greek Catholics remember Joachim on September 9. This day is called the Synaxis of Joachim and Anne. It is the day after the Nativity of the Theotokos (Mary's birth).

The Church of England also remembers Joachim (with Anne) on July 26. This is a Lesser Festival day.

Who is Joachim the Patron Saint of?

Joachim is known as the patron saint of fathers and grandfathers. He is also the patron saint of grandparents, married couples, cabinet makers, and linen traders.

How Joachim is Shown in Art

Saint Joachim

In old art, Joachim often wears a pointy Jewish hat. He is usually shown with a halo, like a saint. However, some people in the Western church knew he might have died before Christianity fully began.

A popular art scene is "Joachim and Anne Meeting at the Golden Gate." This shows them embracing at the city gate.

Symbols linked to Saint Joachim include a book or scroll. This represents linen makers. A shepherd's staff can stand for the Christian Word. A basket of doves means peace. He is almost always dressed in green, which is the color of hope.

The name of the San Joaquin River in California comes from Saint Joachim. Spanish explorer Gabriel Moraga named it between 1805 and 1808. He was looking for places to build missions.

Joachim in Islam

In Islam, Joachim is called Imran (pronounced Im-ran). One place believed to be his grave is in Salalah. This grave is said to be the "longest grave in the world" at 12 meters. According to the Quran in a chapter called Al Imran, Imran is the father of Maryam (Mary) and the grandfather of ʿIsa (Jesus).

See also

In Spanish: Joaquín (padre de María) para niños

• Chronological list of saints in the 1st century
• Joachim, patron saint archive