Mary

In 18 BC, the angel Gabriel appears to Joachim in the desert after he fasts for 40 days, conveying that he will soon have a daughter. Gabriel instructs Joachim and his wife Anne to dedicate their future child to the service of God, who will dwell in His temple.

Nine months later, Anne gives birth to Mary in Nazareth. Mary grows up on her family's olive farm, raised in love and faith by her parents, who are devoted to God.

In 17 BC, King Herod the Great announces plans to rebuild the Second Temple in Jerusalem, amidst growing unrest among the Judeans due to his tyrannical rule. Herod's ambition to impress Rome leads to further conflict with his subjects.

Fearing threats to his throne, Herod orders the death of Aristobulus, the High Priest. Marcellus, a Roman officer, assassinates him, and Herod kills his wife Mariamne after she protests against the act.

Years later, Gabriel visits Anne again, reminding her of the promise to dedicate Mary to God. Joachim and Anne then take Mary to the Second Temple in Jerusalem for consecration in 6 BC.

At the Temple, Mary receives education from Anna the Prophetess and Baba Ben Buta. As a teenager, she serves God by performing humble tasks, including cleaning the temple, while showing kindness to the less fortunate.

Mary is visited by Lucifer, who tempts her with worldly pleasures. However, she remains steadfast in her faith, and Gabriel confronts Lucifer and drives him away, preserving Mary's commitment to God.

While washing clothes in a stream, Mary meets Joseph, a Galilean carpenter who is struck by her beauty. He asks for her hand in marriage, and Joachim and Anne agree, believing it aligns with Gabriel's guidance.

After their betrothal, Gabriel appears to Mary and reveals she will conceive a son named Jesus, who will reign over David’s house. Despite her concerns about remaining a virgin, the Holy Spirit grants her miraculous conception.

When the High Priests discover Mary's pregnancy, they cast her out of the temple despite her pleas of innocence. She confides in her mother, Anne, who sends Mary to stay with her cousin Elizabeth, who is also expecting.

Mary faces severe backlash as rumors of her promiscuity spread, even causing turmoil between her and Joseph. However, Joseph stands by her, reassuring her of his love and commitment despite the community's judgment.

Mary and Joseph marry but quickly go into hiding, fleeing to Bethlehem after their home is vandalized. Tragically, Joachim is killed by zealots during their escape, deepening their plight.

When Mary goes into labor, Joseph struggles to find shelter due to a crowded city. They finally take refuge in a stable, where Mary gives birth to Jesus, attended by wise men bearing gifts.

Upon learning of Jesus's birth, Herod orders the Massacre of the Innocents, targeting all male infants in Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph flee to Egypt to protect their newborn from Herod's wrath.

Once it is safe, Mary and Joseph return to Jerusalem after Herod's reign ends. They present Jesus at the Temple, fulfilling their obligation and witnessing a new chapter in their lives.