Equal-to-the-Apostles · c. 246–330
Helen
Equal-to-the-Apostles Empress Helen
New Calendar May 21 Old Calendar June 3
Why they are a saint
Helen was mother of Constantine; found the Precious Cross in Jerusalem. She is equal-to-the-Apostles for her apostolic labors. The years given for this life are c. 246–330. The Church gives the title Equal-to-the-Apostles to those whose labor resembled the first mission.
Life
Saint Constantine was the son of the Caesar Constantius Chlorus, who governed Gaul and Britain, and of Saint Helen, a Christian of humble birth. He was born in 274, possibly at Nish in Serbia.
In his struggle against rivals he prayed for a sign, and the Lord showed him a radiant Cross in the heavens with the words 'In this Sign, conquer.' As ruler of the West he issued the Edict of Milan in 313, granting tolerance to Christians. When the Arian heresy arose, the First Ecumenical Council was convened at Nicea in 325 by his order. He moved his capital to Byzantium, renamed Constantinople.
He sent his mother Helen to Jerusalem to find the Cross of the Lord, and with Patriarch Macarius she found it in 326. Helen gave generous alms in Jerusalem, sometimes serving the needy herself, and died in Constantinople in 327. Constantine received Baptism on his deathbed, died on the day of Pentecost in 337, and was buried in the Church of the Holy Apostles. Both are called Equal of the Apostles.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source names no specific patronage.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Traditionally asked to pray for discovery of the Cross, archaeologists, ironworkers (nails). The reason for this custom is not recorded here.
Prayer
O holy Helen, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.
Do not confuse with Olga of Kiev (baptized Helen); Helen of Serbia; Helen of Sinope.