On the Traditional Orthodox (Old) Calendar, the Orthodox Church commemorates St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra (Lycia) on Monday, St. Ambrose of Milan on Tuesday, St. Patapios the Righteous of Thebes on Wednesday, celebrates the Feast of the Conception of the Theotokos and commemorates the Prophetess Anna, the mother of the Prophet Samuel on Thursday, and St. Daniel the Stylite on Saturday. Holy Fathers and Mothers among the Saints, pray to God for us! Most Holy Theotokos, save us! May their memory be eternal!

Today the bonds of barrenness are loosed; for God listened to Joachim and Anna. He promised them ­ although it was beyond hope ­ that they should bear a divine child. From this child was born incarnate the Infinite God, Who told the Angel to cry to her: Rejoice, full of grace; the Lord is with thee. ~Festal Troparion for the Conception of the Theotokos