Description
Saints Constantine and Helen, also referred to as Equal-to-the Apostles, are key figures in the expansion of Christianity during the 4th century. Emperor Constantine was the son of Constantine Chlorus and Helen, and served as the leader of the western Roman Empire following his fathers death in 306 AD. According to tradition, in 312 AD, Constantine witnessed a cross appear in the sky accompanied by the words “By this shalt thou conquer.” This was referring to his campaign against Maxentius and Maximus, who had come together against Constantine. The next night, Jesus Christ appeared to Constantine in his sleep, telling him the significance of the Cross and its power. Constantine succeeded against Maxentius and Maximus, and was declared Emperor of the West by the Roman Senate. Meanwhile, his brother-in-law, Licinius, was Emperor of the East. During his rule, Licinius began persecuting Christians, leading Constantine to fight him. In 324 AD, Constantine defeated Licinius, ending the persecution of Christians in the region, and became Emperor of both the West and East. In 325 AD, Constantine held the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea and in 330 AD, he began building the new capital of his empire, naming it Constantinople.
Constantine’s mother Helen visited Jerusalem following her son’s successful unification of the Roman Empire. While in Jerusalem, Helen found the Holy Cross that Jesus was crucified on. She was further instrumental in building churches at the sites of the Resurrection and the Crucifixion (in Jerusalem), in Bethlehem at the site of Christ’s birth, on the Mount of Olives, and numerous other churches across the Holy Land.
Saints Constantine and Helen are celebrated together due to their familial relationship and important contributions to Orthodox Christianity. Their Feast Day is celebrated annually on May 21.
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