The Holy Prophetess Hannah lived in marriage with Elkanah, yet remained childless. In time, Elkanah took another wife, Peninnah, who bore him children. Hannah suffered deeply over her barrenness, praying each day for God to lift her sorrow, and she vowed that if He granted her a child, she would dedicate the child entirely to Him.

One day, as she prayed with great fervor in the Temple, the priest Eli mistook her silent, heartfelt supplication for drunkenness and reproached her. Hannah then revealed the anguish of her heart, and after Eli blessed her, she returned home in peace. Soon afterward, God heard her prayer: she conceived and bore a son, naming him Samuel, meaning “Asked of God.”

When Samuel was old enough, Hannah herself brought him to Eli, and there he remained, serving before the Tabernacle (1 Kings/1 Samuel 2:1–21).

Troparion — Tone 2

We celebrate the memory / of Your prophetess Hannah, O Lord; / through her we entreat You, / save our souls.

Kontakion — Tone 4

(Podoben: “Today You have shown forth...”)

Enlightened by the Spirit, your pure heart became the dwelling place of most splendid prophecy; / for you saw things far off as if they were near. / Therefore, we honor you, blessed and glorious Prophetess Hannah.