​Saints Constantine and Helen: The Equal-to-the-Apostles Who Changed World History and the Theology of Kingship

Saints Constantine and Helen: The Equal-to-the-Apostles Who Changed World History and the Theology of Kingship

The Great Feast of Spring and the Historical Milestone 

On May 21st, our Orthodox Church honors with unparalleled dogmatic and liturgical splendor the memory of the Holy Great Sovereigns and Equal-to-the-Apostles, Constantine and Helen. This is not merely a religious feast among the many of the ecclesiastical year, but the anniversary of a world-shaking turning point that redefined the course of human history.The mother and the son, united in common faith and political action, bridged the Greco-Roman world with the Gospel. They succeeded in transforming a pagan, persecuting empire into a Christian ecumene, laying the spiritual and institutional foundations of Byzantium.

Historical Overview: From Persecutions to the Christian Triumph

1. Constantine the Great: The Vision and Political Milestones

Constantine was born in Naissus (modern-day Niš, Serbia) around 272 AD, during a time when the Roman Empire was torn apart by the Tetrarchy and the persecutions against Christians had drenched the earth with blood. Following the death of his father, Constantius Chlorus, in 306 AD, he was proclaimed emperor by his army in Britain.The great historical shift took place in 312 AD, prior to the Battle of the Milvian Bridge against Maxentius. 

At noon, Constantine saw in the sky the luminous sign of the Cross with the inscription "BY THIS SIGN CONQUER" ("ΕΝ ΤΟΥΤΩ ΝΙΚΑ"). The following night, Christ Himself appeared to him and asked him to construct a banner bearing the Monogram $X-P$. His victory was absolute, paving the way for his sole rule.

The three pivotal milestones of his reign that changed the world were:

The Edict of Milan (313 AD): Religious freedom was established, putting a definitive end to three centuries of brutal persecutions.

The First Ecumenical Council (325 AD): Convoked in Nicaea, it condemned the heresy of Arius and formulated the first articles of the Symbol of Faith (the Creed, "Pisteuo").

The Founding of Constantinople (330 AD): The relocation of the capital to the "New Rome", a city dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos, entirely free of pagan temples.Constantine the Great was baptized a Christian shortly before his repose in 337 AD, passing away clothed in the white garment of a neophyte (newly baptized).

2. Saint Helen: The Finding of the Cross and PhilanthropyFlavia Julia Helena, the mother of the emperor, was the spiritual root behind her son's Christian reforms. 

In 326 AD, at an advanced age, she undertook a historic pilgrimage to the Holy Land.Through her own initiative and state funding, excavations were conducted on Golgotha, leading to the Finding of the Precious Cross. Its authenticity was proven miraculously when it healed a gravely ill woman (and according to other accounts, raised a dead woman back to life). 

On that sacred site, she erected the All-Holy Church of the Resurrection (Holy Sepulchre), as well as the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.Saint Helen passed into history for her simplicity and boundless philanthropy, as she personally served the poor, released prisoners, and cared for the poorhouses and hospices of the empire.

Theological Analysis & Teachings of the Holy Fathers

1. The Meaning and Weight of the Title "Equal-to-the-Apostles"

The Church did not bestow the title of "Equal-to-the-Apostles" (Isapostoloi) upon these two sovereigns as an act of political flattery. Just as the Twelve Apostles preached the Gospel, Constantine and Helen used the institutional authority and legislation of the world's greatest empire to spread the Light of Christ.

 They Christianized the very structures of society and civilization itself.

2. The Wisdom of Saint John Chrysostom

The holy father exalts the personality of Constantine the Great, emphasizing that the emperor's greatest glory was not his golden diadem, but the fact that:"He laid down his purple robes and crown at the feet of the Crucified Christ." Chrysostom points out that Constantine recognized that earthly kingship is temporary, preferring instead to become a servant of the only true Kingdom.

3. Saint Gregory the Theologian and the Prudence of Authority

Referring to the First Ecumenical Council, Saint Gregory highlights the rare ecclesiological prudence of the emperor. Although he possessed absolute political power, Constantine did not interfere in the slightest with the formulation of dogmas. He declared himself "bishop of external affairs" of the Church and left the Fathers, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, to define the Orthodox truth. 

References and Encomiums from Other Saints

Saint Nikodemos the Hagiorite: In his Synaxarion, he notes that God used the maternal affection of Helen and the manly determination of Constantine as a perfect "pair of spiritual tools" to root out the delusion of idols from the ecumene.

Saint Gregory Palamas: He compares Constantine the Great to the Prophet David. He explains that, just as David was chosen by God from among many to lead Israel, so Constantine was set apart from the darkness of idolatry to become the spiritual father of God's new, Christian people.

Saint Kassiani the Hymnographer: In the liturgical troparia she composed for this feast, she highlights with deep contrition that Saint Helen "found the hidden treasure of the Cross" and Constantine the Great, "taking the Cross upon his shoulders, abolished the delusion of idols." 

Spiritual Messages for Modern Life

"By This Sign Conquer" as a Daily Experience: This motto does not concern historical battles of the past, but the spiritual warfare of the modern Christian against passions, selfishness, and anxiety. The Cross of Christ remains our sole point of victory and inner peace.

The Model of the Christian Family: Saint Helen, through her quiet prayer and example, deeply influenced her son's character. She teaches modern mothers how to guide their children "in the training and admonition of the Lord," reflecting their own personal spiritual light.

The Blessing of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles at Athonian.gr

On Mount Athos, the memory of Saints Constantine and Helen is honored with profound reverence. The name of Constantine the Great is historically linked to the first Christian endowments on the Holy Mountain, while the Athonite monasteries safeguard large portions of the Precious Cross found by Saint Helen as a priceless treasure.

For this great feast, Athonian.gr offers you the opportunity to bring the blessing of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles into your home:

Handcrafted Byzantine Icons: Icons of Saints Constantine and Helen, crafted by Athonite fathers using traditional techniques, gold leaf, and aging processes, depicting the two Saints holding the Precious Cross between them.

Authentic "Konstantinata" Amulets: Traditional coin-pendants featuring the forms of the Saints and the inscription "IC XC NIKA". Crafted in gold and silver, they make the ideal, blessed gift for baptisms, newborns, and loved ones.

Monastic Incense: A choice, noble fragrance made in the cells of Mount Athos, perfect for accompanying your festive prayers.

May the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helen be eternal intercessors for you and your families, guiding your steps toward the Light of Truth.