Equal-to-the-Apostles · † 327
Sts Constantine and Helen
Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Emperor Constantine the Great († 337) with his Mother Helen († 327)
New Calendar May 21 Old Calendar June 3
Why they are a saint
The Holy Emperor Constantine (306-337), has received from the Church the title “Equal-to-the-Apostles,” and in world history he received the name “the Great.” He was the son of Cæsar Constantius Chlorus (305-306), governing the lands of Gaul and Britania. The Orthodox Church commemorates Sts Constantine and Helen on May 21.
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
Orthodox Christians usually take Sts Constantine and Helen as a patron when they bear the name Sts at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on May 21. As an apostle, he is also asked to pray for missionaries and those who spread the Gospel.
Prayer
O holy Sts Constantine and 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.