Constantine and Helen Equal to the Apostles. Saints Constantine and Helen: icons and portraits Equal to the Apostles Constantine and Helen

The holiday is bright now.
Prayers in honor of the saints
We lift up to the Lord
For past battles
And for enlightenment,
for love's way,
Loyalty to Christianity
and only God.

On this day to you, Elena

On this day for you, Elena,
We wish from the bottom of our hearts
Fast, fun, with enthusiasm
Eliminate all adversities.

So that happiness fills
Your days are full to the brim,
Well, everything I dreamed of,
It would be performed without words.

On this holiday, with a pure heart

On this holiday, with a pure heart,
We wish, Konstantin,
So that never in life
You are not left alone.

So that friends respect everyone,
And I was always lucky in love,
And fate only rewarded
In spite of all obstacles.

Son and mother as one

Son and mother, as one,
We shared all the burdens in two.
Never gave up in the fight
And they remained in people's memory,
How many cathedrals were built?
The cross of Jesus was found and installed.
The merits of the kings were appreciated,
The face of holiness was established for them,
Since then Elena has been remembered
Getting down on one knee
Tsar Constantine is revered sacredly,
It is accepted to pray for their souls!

On this day we congratulate you

On this day we congratulate you,
And we wish, Konstantin,
So that you are always cheerful,
Never been alone.

For happiness and health,
Were with you forever
Well, different problems
They avoided it.

On the day of Constantine and Helena

On the day of Constantine and Helena,
What are we all celebrating today?
Let the problems go away
Dilemmas do not visit you.

Let your home become a full cup,
Let the children always laugh
And you will be happy with everything,
Kinder, happier than everyone in the world!

On the day of Helen, Constantine

On the day of Helen, Constantine
We want to wish you
Life is bright so that the picture
Turned back time.

So that you can easily
Not getting old, but getting younger,
And with your warmth of soul
To keep us all warm for many years.

Equal to the Apostles

Equal to the Apostles, Constantine and his mother Helen.
During their lifetime, their great deeds were accomplished:
Christianity was freed from pagan captivity,
And three hundred years of persecution ended.
Elena raised Konstantin in deep faith in Christ,
Under him, the Symbol of Faith was supplemented with “consubstantiality”,
And the discovery of the Life-Giving Cross took place!
And the city of Constantinople was revealed,
Like Rome the second, and as the basis
Religions of free people who believe in Christ,
For repentance in anticipation of the second coming!

Flavia Julia Helena Augusta, Equal-to-the-Apostles Queen Helena, Saint Helena - all these are the names of the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine I, who went down in history thanks to her activities in spreading Christianity and finding the Holy Sepulcher and the Life-Giving Cross during excavations in Jerusalem. On May 21 (June 3), according to the Julian calendar, the celebration of Tsar Constantine I and his mother, Queen Helena, takes place.

The approximate years of Helen's life are 250-337. n. e. She was born in the small village of Drepana, near Constantinople. Later, her son, Emperor Constantine the Great, renamed it Helenopolis (today Hersek). In the early 270s, Helen became the wife of the future Caesar Constantius Chlorus.

On February 27, 272, Helen gave birth to a son, Flavius ​​Valerius Aurelius Constantine, the future emperor who made Christianity the state religion of the Roman Empire. In 305, Constantine was installed as the father-emperor of the western part of the Roman Empire, and in 330 he officially moved the capital of the Roman Empire to Byzantium and named it New Rome.

In 324, Helen’s son proclaimed her “August”: “he crowned his godly mother Helen with the royal crown and allowed her, as a queen, to mint her own coins” and manage the royal treasury. The first coins depicting Helen, where she is titled Nobilissima Femina (“most noble woman”), were minted in 318-319.

In 312, Constantine entered into a power struggle with the usurper Maxentius. On the eve of the decisive battle, Christ appeared to Constantine in a dream, who commanded that the Greek letters XP be inscribed on the shields and banners of his army - and then he would win (“and thus win”). And the next day Constantine had a vision of a cross in the sky. And so it happened, Constantine became the emperor of the western part of the Roman Empire. He succeeded in completely unifying the lands in 321.

Having become the sovereign ruler of the western part of the Roman Empire, Constantine issued the Edict of Milan on religious tolerance in 313, and in 323, when he reigned as the sole emperor over the entire Roman Empire, he extended the Edict of Milan to the entire eastern part of the empire. After three hundred years of persecution, Christians for the first time had the opportunity to openly confess their faith in Christ.

Having abandoned paganism, the emperor did not leave ancient Rome, which was the center of the pagan state, as the capital of the empire, but moved his capital to the east, to the city of Byzantium, which was renamed Constantinople. Constantine was deeply convinced that only the Christian religion could unite the huge, heterogeneous Roman Empire. He supported the Church in every possible way, brought back Christian confessors from exile, built churches, and took care of the clergy. Deeply revering the Cross of the Lord, the emperor wanted to find the Life-giving Cross itself, on which our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified. For this purpose, he sent his mother, the holy queen Helen, to Jerusalem, giving her great powers and material resources. Together with Patriarch Macarius of Jerusalem, Saint Helena began a search, and by the Providence of God the Life-Giving Cross was miraculously found in 326. Her discovery of the Cross marked the beginning of the celebration of the Exaltation of the Cross.

While in Palestine, the holy queen did a lot for the benefit of the Church. She ordered to free all places associated with the earthly life of the Lord and His Most Pure Mother from all traces of paganism, and ordered the erection of Christian churches in these memorable places. Above the Cave of the Holy Sepulcher, Emperor Constantine himself ordered the construction of a magnificent temple in honor of the Resurrection of Christ.

The earliest historians (Socrates Scholasticus, Eusebius Pamphilus) write that during Helen’s stay in the Holy Land, three temples were founded at the sites of the Gospel events:
. on Golgotha ​​- the Church of the Holy Sepulcher;
. in Bethlehem - Basilica of the Nativity;
. on the Mount of Olives - a church over the site of the Ascension of Christ.

The Life of Saint Helena, described later in the 7th century, contains a more extensive list of buildings, which, in addition to those listed, includes:
. in Gethsemane - the Church of the Holy Family;
. in Bethany - the church over the tomb of Lazarus;
. in Hebron - the church at the Oak of Mamre, where God appeared to Abraham;
. near Lake Tiberias - the Temple of the Twelve Apostles;
. at the site of the ascension of Elijah - a temple in the name of this prophet;
. on Mount Tabor - a temple in the name of Jesus Christ and the apostles Peter, James and John;
. at the foot of Mount Sinai, near the Burning Bush, there is a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and a tower for monks

According to the description of Socrates Scholasticus, Queen Helen divided the Life-Giving Cross into two parts: she placed one in a silver vault and left it in Jerusalem, and sent the second to her son Constantine, who placed it in his statue mounted on a column in the center of Constantine Square. Elena also sent two nails from the Cross to her son (one was placed in the diadem, and the second in the bridle).

In 326, when Queen Helen was returning from Palestine to Constantinople, a storm forced Queen Helen to take refuge in a bay in Cyprus. There are many legends about Queen Helena’s visit to the island of saints, but the fact remains that she founded several Christian monasteries, to which the queen gave particles of the Life-Giving Cross found in the Holy Land. This is the monastery of Stavrovouni, the monastery of the Holy Cross (Omodos village). And also the monastery of Agia Thekla.

Saints Constantine and Helen are deeply revered in Cyprus. Many temples were built in their honor, including:
● Monastery of Constantine and Helena, XII century. (Kuklia);
● Monastery of the Myrtle Cross, XV century (Tsada);
● Temple of the Holy Cross (Platanistas);
● Church of the Holy Cross (Ayia Irini);
● Church of the Holy Cross (Pelendri).

Holy Queen Helena returned to Constantinople after traveling in Cyprus, where she soon died in 327. For her great services to the Church and her labors in obtaining the Life-Giving Cross, Queen Helena is called “Equal to the Apostles.”

Equal to the Apostles Constantine continued his active work in favor of the Church. At the end of his life, he accepted holy baptism, having prepared for it with his whole life. Saint Constantine died on the day of Pentecost in 337 and was buried in the Church of the Holy Apostles, in a tomb he had prepared in advance.

The opening of the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society and the activities of the Society in the Holy Land are associated with the names of the holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Emperor Constantine and his mother Queen Helena.

The Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society was created by the Decree of Emperor Alexander III and the public initiative of outstanding Russian people.

On May 8, 1882, the Society’s Charter was approved, and on May 21 (June 3 according to the Gregorian calendar) of the same year, its grand opening took place in St. Petersburg, timed to coincide with the celebration of the day of remembrance of Saints Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helen, who spread Christianity and erected the first Christian churches in Holy Land and those who have found the Life-giving Cross of the Lord. The names of these saints are associated with the ancient churches of Jerusalem and Bethlehem, as well as the very principle of patronage of the Holy Land by Orthodox emperors.

The publication was prepared by the chairman of the Cyprus branch of the IOPS Leonid Bulanov

Holy im-per-ra-tor Kon-stan-tin (306-337), received from the Church the name “equal to the capital” , and in all-world history named after Ve-li-kim, he was the son of the tsar Kon-station Chlo-ra (305-306) , right-of-the-country Gal-li-ey and Bri-ta-ni-ey. The huge Roman empire at that time was divided into Western and Eastern, headed by there were two very-hundred-of-names, who had co-grandparents, one of which in The father of im-pe-ra-to-ra Kon-stan-ti-na was in the western part of the region. Holy Tsar-ri-tsa Elena, mother of im-pe-ra-to-ra Kon-stan-ti-na, was a hri-sti-an-koy. The future ruler of the entire Roman Empire - Kon-stan-tin - was raised in respect for the Christian religion gii. His father did not follow Christianity in the countries he ruled, while in the rest of the Roman Empire Christians sti-ane came under the same-hundred-kim go-ne-ni-yam from the side im-per-ra-to-div Dio-kli-ti-a-na (284-305 ), his co-pre-vi-te-la Mak-si-mi-a-na Ga-le-riya (305-311) - on Vostok and im-per-ra-to-ra Mak- si-mi-a-na Ger-ku-la (284-305) - on Za-pa-de. After the death of Kon-stan-tsiya Chlo-ra, his son Kon-stan-tin in 306 was hailed by the army im-per-ra-to-rum Gal- Leah and Bri-ta-nee. The first thing he did was to proclaim freedom of origin in the countries under his control -yes of the Christian faith. Fa-na-tik of the language-che-stva Mak-si-mi-an Ga-le-riy on Vo-sto-ke and same-sto-kiy ti-ran Mak-sen-tiy on Za-pas-de-nen- you saw him-per-ra-to-ra Kon-stan-ti-na and maliciously intended to bring him down and kill him, but Kon-stan-tin pre-pre-pre- He fought them and in a series of wars, with the help of God, he defeated all his opponents. He prayed to God to give him a sign that would inspire his army to fight bravely, and the Lord showed him in the sky there is a sign of the Cross with a sign above it, “Sim be-give.” Having become the full-power ruler of the Western part of the Roman Empire, Kon-stan-tin gave Mi in 313 -Lan edict on faith-ter-pi-mo-sti, and in 323, when he reigned as the only em-per-ra-tor over the whole The Roman Empire extended the effect of the Milan Edict to the entire eastern part of the Empire. After three hundred years of persecution, Christians for the first time have the opportunity to openly practice their faith in Christ.

Having become dependent on paganism, the emperor did not leave the capital empire of ancient Rome, the former center of the language. of the great state, and moved his capital to the east, to the city of Vizantia, which was the -ime-no-va-na in Kon-stan-ti-no-pol. Kon-stan-tin was deeply convinced that only the Christian religion could unite the huge, diverse Rome -sky im-periyu. He supported the Church in every possible way, brought back the knowledge of Christianity from exile, built churches for -bo-til-xia about the spirit-ho-ven-stvo. Deeply reading the cross of the Lord, he wanted to find the very Living Cross, on which Our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified. For this purpose, he sent his mother, the holy queen Elena, to Jerusalem, giving her great power and ma-te-ri -al means. Together with Jerusalem Pat-ri-ar-khom Ma-ka-ri-em, Saint Elena came to the people, and Pro-mys- God's Life-creating Cross was miraculously re-created in 326. While in Pa-le-stina, the holy queen did a lot in favor of the Church. She ordered to liberate all the places connected with the earthly life of the Lord and His Most Pure Ma-te-ri, from all - of such traces of paganism, it is necessary to erect Christian churches in these memorable places. Above the cave of the Gro-ba of the Lord, the im-per-ra-tor Kon-stan-tin himself ordered to build a great-sculpted temple in a weak wu Resurrection of Christ. Saint Helena gave the Living Cross for the keeping of Pat-ri-ar-hu, and she took part of the Cross with her for enshrinement. ch-niya im-per-ra-to-ru. Having given another sweet place to Ieru-sa-li-me and arranged meals for the poor, during which I myself served -li-wa-la, holy queen Elena returned to Kon-stan-ti-no-pol, where she soon died in 327 .

For his great services to the Church-view and work on the creation of the Living Cross of the Tsar-ri- Tsa Ele-na has the same name as equal.

The worldly existence of the Christian Church was in the Russian Federation, but it arose inside the Church. -I and once-before-ra-mi from the heresies that appeared. Back in the na-cha-le de-ya-tel-no-sti im-pe-ra-to-ra Kon-stan-ti-na on Za-pa-de a heresy arose before-na-ti- Stov and no-va-tsi-an, who demanded the re-baptism over the fallen shi-mi during the reign of Christ. a-na-mi. This heresy, rejected by two local co-workers, was condemned by the Milanese So- bo-rom 316. But the heresy of Arius, which arose in the East and dared to reject God, was especially damaging for the Church. the feminine essence of the Son of God and teach about the creation of Jesus Christ. According to his instructions, the First All-Len Council was convened in 325 in the city of Nicaea. 318 bishops gathered for this council, its participation was episcopal in the period -not and many other luminaries of the Church, among which is St. Niko-lay of the World. Im-pe-ra-tor was present at the meeting of So-bo-ra. The heresy of Arius was condemned and a Creed was created, in which the term “One-essential Father” was included, on -always fortified in the knowledge of the right-glorious Christians is-ti-nu about the Divinity of Jesus Christ , having accepted human nature for the redemption of the entire human race.

One may be surprised at the church's deep understanding and sense of the sacredness of Kon-stan-ti, you de-liv- to the following definition of “One-but-existent”, heard by them in the pre-ni-yah of So-bo-ra, and before the living outside- This is a definition in the Symbol of Faith.

After Nicky So-bo-ra, equal-to-capital Kon-stan-tin continued his active activity in favor Churches. At the end of his life, he accepted Holy Baptism, committing himself to it with his whole life. Saint Constantine died on the day of Pentecost in 337 and was buried in the Church of the Holy Apostles in the coffin prepared for them in advance.

See also: "" in the text of St. Di-mit-ria of Ro-stov.

Prayers

Troparion to the Equal-to-the-Apostles Tsar Constantine the Great and his mother, Queen Helena, tone 8

I saw the image of Your Cross in Heaven/ and, like Paul, the title is not received from man,/ Your apostle is in the kingdom, O Lord,/ Place the reigning city in Your hands,/ save it always in the world through the prayers of the Mother of God, // One who loves mankind.

Translation: Having seen the image of Your Cross in heaven, and, like Paul, having heard the call not from people, among kings - Your Apostle, Lord, entrusted the reigning city into Your hand; and always preserve it in peace, through the intercessions of the Mother of God, O One Lover of Mankind.

Kontakion Equal to the Apostles to Tsar Constantine the Great and his mother, Queen Helena, tone 3

Constantine today with Mother Helen/ The Cross is revealed, the all-honorable tree,/ for all the Jews there is shame,/ a weapon against the enemy of the faithful people // for our sake a great sign has appeared// and oh terrible.

Translation: On this day, Constantine and his mother Elena reveal the Cross - the all-sacred tree; it is dishonor for all Jews, but a weapon against the opponents of the faithful [kings]. For for our sake this great and terrible thing appeared in battle.

Greatness equal to the apostles to Tsar Constantine the Great and his mother, Queen Helena

We magnify you,/ holy saints and Equal-to-the-Apostles Tsars Constantine and Helen,/ and we honor your holy memory,/ for with the Holy Cross// you enlightened the entire universe of nature.

Prayer to Equal-to-the-Apostles Tsar Constantine the Great and his mother, Queen Helena

Oh, most admirable and most praised king, saints Equal to the Apostles Constantine and Helen! To you, as a warm intercessor, we offer our unworthy prayers, as we have great boldness in the Lord. Ask Him for peace for the Church and prosperity for the whole world. Wisdom for the ruler, care for the flock for the shepherd, humility for the flock, desired repose for the old, strength for the husband, beauty for the wife, purity for the virgin, obedience for the children, Christian education for the child. healing, healing for the sick, reconciliation for those who are at war, patience for those who are offended, fear of God for those who are offended. To those who come to this temple and pray in it, a holy blessing and everything useful for each request, let us praise and sing the Benefactor of all God in the Trinity of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever eki centuries. Amen.

Second prayer to Equal-to-the-Apostles Tsar Constantine the Great and his mother, Queen Helena

Oh, Saints Equal to the Apostles Constantine and Helen! Deliver this parish and our temple from every slander of the enemy and do not forsake us, the weak, through your intercession (names), beg the goodness of Christ our God to grant us peace of mind, abstinence from destructive passions and all filth, and unfeigned piety. Ask us, pleasers of God, from above for the spirit of meekness and humbleness of mind, the spirit of patience and repentance, and let us live the rest of our lives in faith and contrition of heart, and so at the hour of the end of our goodness Let us strongly praise the Lord who glorified you, the Beginningless Father, His Only Begotten Son and the Consubstantial All-Good Spirit, the Indivisible Trinity, forever and ever. Amen.

Canons and Akathists

Song 1

Irmos: Having traversed the water like dry land, and having escaped the evil of Egypt, the Israelite cried out: Let us drink to our Deliverer and our God.

O One Heavenly King, sin now reigning in me, Thy saints pray to my humble soul for freedom.

Once you were the stewards of the Kingdom, you served Blessed Constantine, the King of all and the Lady, having believed with a pure mind.

Having been enveloped in the light of God, you have left the darkness of unreason, truly, God-wise Elena, you have sincerely worked for the King of centuries.

Theotokos: Door of the Divine East, open for me the doors of repentance and from the doors of deadly sin, through Your intercession, deliver me, O Lady.

Song 3

Irmos: The Supreme Creator of the heavenly circle, O Lord, and the Creator of the Church, Thou strengthen me in Thy love, the desires of the land, the true affirmation, the only Lover of Mankind.

You strove to receive Heavenly retribution, and you followed the caller, God-wise, and you left the darkness, Father, devoted to your flattery, and you were a lamp with the Divine Spirit.

Having clung to Christ and to Him, all-honorable, having placed all your hope in His sacred place, you have reached His place, in which you have become incarnate and endured the most pure passions, O Most Blessed One.

You have shown a saving weapon, indestructible victory, Christian hope, the Honest Cross, hidden to envy, inflamed by Divine desire, O Blessed One.

Theotokos: The sacred citizenship has fallen away, the Most Pure One, having been venerated by the cattle and all the beings have been condemned; You who gave birth to the Judge, deliver me from all condemnation and save me.

Sedalen, voice 8

He extended his feelings to Heaven and learned kindness from the stars, from these we secretly taught all sorts of Lords, and the weapon of the cross was in the middle of the sheet, writing about this to conquer and be sovereign. Moreover, you opened the comb of your soul, you read the letter and learned the image, with all honor to Constantine, pray to Christ the God of sins to grant your holy memory to those who celebrate love.

Song 4

Irmos: I heard, O Lord, Thy sacrament, I understood Thy works and glorified Thy Divinity.

From Heaven, like Paul of old, Christ the Lord, Constantine, catches you, teaching you to honor this One King.

With the bright sign of you, blessed one, Christ the Sun illuminates the stars with the stars and shows you the darkened lamp.

And you were wonderful in your God-loving morals and divine deeds, blessed one: for this reason we glorify you by faith.

You manifest the Divine victory of the Cross, which has been covered for many years now, by which we were saved and freed from demonic charms.

Theotokos: Illumine my soul, darkened by sins, even giving birth to the Sun of Truth, Ever-Virgin.

Song 5

Irmos: We cry out to You in the morning: Lord, save us, for You are our God, and You know no other.

Having risen to the ever-setting Sun and the Lady, King God the Wise, you were filled with light.

Love and perfect mercy, like wearing purple, have now entered the Highest Kingdom.

Thou hast copulated with the bodiless, Eleno, in the face, pleasing God with thy virtuous deeds.

Theotokos: Virgin, cleanse my soul, defiled by bodily pleasures and the slander of the serpent.

Song 6

Irmos: I will pour out a prayer to the Lord and to Him I will proclaim my sorrows, for my soul is filled with evil and my stomach is approaching hell, and I pray like Jonah: from aphids, O God, lift me up.

Thou hast gathered the blessed face of the God-bearing Fathers gloriously, and with those, Constantine, the overwhelmed hearts of all, Thou hast affirmed the sole honor of glorifying the One who gave birth, the Word and the throne.

Having believed in the Lord, you are alive, even if you were the giver of vile and vain idols, you cast away the deathly service and joyfully accepted, Elena, the Kingdom of Heaven.

With Your hand, O Word, we nourish the deepest darkness and the fiercest atheism of ignorance, the storm that reigned was rejected by You and brought to quiet havens of piety, rejoicing.

Theotokos: Heal my heart, which is incurably ailing and wounded by the grip of the evil one, O Maiden, and grant Thy healing, and save me, who trusts in Thee, through Thy prayers, O Most Pure One.

Kontakion, tone 3

Constantine today with the Mother Helena the Cross is revealed, an all-honorable tree, a shame for all Jews, and a weapon against faithful people: for for our sake a great sign has appeared and a terrible sign in battle.

Ikos

Constantine, faithfully, we will honor the matter: David, having heard these words, on the cedar, and the tree, and the cypress, having known the three-compound Cross, with which the saving passion followed, and having presented all the Jews, prepared to show people the great justification, hidden for the sake of envy and hatred of those , and, having found this, they showed it. For this reason, he appeared to all in victory, bearing an invincible weapon, a great sign and a formidable sign in battle.

Song 7

Irmos: The Jewish youths in the cave boldly quenched the flame and turned the fire into dew, crying: Blessed are you, O Lord God, forever.

Keeping Your commands, I obey Your law Constantine. Also, overthrow the wicked, crying out to You: Lord God, blessed are You.

The tree that most miraculously brought everyone out of the pit of destruction, raked by envy, is revealed to us, burying the all-destructive demons forever.

By divine acts you created in your heart the church of God, Elena, and you made sacred temples to Him, where passions would be aroused by our most pure flesh for the sake of it.

Theotokos: Having sinned by my will and been enslaved by placeless customs, I now flow to Your usual mercy, save me desperately, Most Holy Theotokos.

Song 8

Irmos: By the sevenfold, the Chaldean tormentor furiously kindled the cave of the Godly, but by the best power they were saved, having seen this, they cried out to the Creator and Savior: fathers, bless, priests, sing, O people, exalt to all ages.

Like a purple robe, gloriously clothed in mercy, and like a chlamys, you were adorned with a crown of good meekness, possessing a perfect mind of virtues, and having reposed from earth to the Highest Kingdom, you called: Priests, bless, O people, exalt Christ forever.

Those who see you rejoicing with your God-wise son, glorious Elena, in the Kingdom of God, we magnify Christ, who showed us your honorable holiday, more than the rays of the sun illuminated us, faithfully singing: people, exalt Christ forever.

How wonderful is your desire and Divine disposition, glorious Elena, praise to your wives: having reached places that have raised honest passions, you have fertilized the Lord of all temples with beautiful ones, crying out: people, exalt Christ to all ages.

Theotokos: My soul's eyes, blinded by many crimes, Mother of God, enlighten, calm my mind and heart, I pray, confused by manifold sweets, and save me, crying out: priests, bless, people, extol the Pure One forever.

Song 9

Irmos: Heaven and the ends of the earth were terrified at this, for God had appeared as a man in the flesh, and Your womb was more spacious than the heavens. Thus Thea, the Mother of God, the Angels and the people of the ranks are magnified.

The coffin, where the sacred lies, Constantine, and your honorable body, always exudes the dawn of Divine healings to those who approach you, driving away the darkness of various passions and illuminating those who praise you with an unevening light.

Having ended your holy life, you now dwell with the saints, filled with sanctification and enlightenment. Likewise, you always flow rivers of healing, and you burn passions, O blessed Helen, and you melt our souls.

To the Most Immortal King, You have vouchsafed the Kingdom of the Most High, whom You have justified in pious times of old on earth to reign, O Lord, of those who truly loved You, Saint Helena and the great Constantine, and with their prayers you have been generous to all.

Theotokos: Having conceived all the King and Creator, O Virgin, you gave birth, and now, like the Queen at His right hand, the Pure One, stand. Moreover, I pray to Thee: deliver me in the hour of judgment and be numbered among the sheep on the right hand.

Svetilen

Lamps who enlightened the universe with all piety through faith, you truly appeared, God-crowned Constantine and glorious Helen. We glorify you with songs of praise, who magnified Christ, who is wondrous among the saints.

Kontakion 1

The election of the Eternal King, Saints Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helen, for the worldwide exaltation of the Life-giving and Savior Cross of the Lord, by which the salvation of the human race was accomplished, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb of God nailed on it, and all the righteous and sinners cry out to you in gratitude:

Ikos 1

The council of angels on earth saw a great miracle - how the Holy Tree was found, preserved for many years in the depths of the earth as soulless stone, now lifted up by the hands of the bishops, but people who saw this fell prostrate to the ground, crying tearfully: “Lord, have mercy! Lord have mercy! Lord have mercy!" I humbly magnify you, Saints Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Elena:

Rejoice, blessed mother, who dearly loved Christ;

Rejoice, divinely crowned son, servant of the Heavenly King.

Rejoice, earthly Angels and heavenly people;

Rejoice, builder of the mysteries of God.

Rejoice, for heaven and earth have been spiritually rejoiced by you;

Rejoice, for you have become famous from all earthly beings.

Rejoice, worthy bearers of the name of Christ;

Rejoice, two great lights in the universe.

Rejoice, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Elena, who have found the Cross of the Lord, a saving weapon.

Kontakion 2

Having seen the glorious Constantine during the battle with Maxentius at noon, the Cross in the sky, shining with light, and the letters “By this, conquer,” he commanded to bind all weapons and battle helmets, so that, having completely defeated the enemy with the help of the Cross, they would sing the victorious song to the crucified Christ: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Your mind, not yet enlightened by holy baptism, to Tsar Constantine, enlighten the Lord in a dream at night, teaching you to defeat the enemy with the sign of the cross, but we, marveling at such Providence of God for you, cry out:

Rejoice, illuminated by the double vision of the Cross from above;

Rejoice, exalted one above all the kings of the earth.

Rejoice, chosen from above for apostolic service;

Rejoice, conqueror of enemies visible and invisible.

Rejoice, greatly glorifying the Cross of the Lord;

Rejoice, you who have given all your strength to the Church of Christ.

Rejoice, thou who has put to shame the enemy of human salvation;

Rejoice, having crushed his head with the honorable Cross.

Rejoice, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Elena, who have found the Cross of the Lord, a saving weapon.

Kontakion 3

“By the power of the Cross in battle,” you told the godly wise Constantine, “I saved this city from enemies, and my heart was wounded by the love of the crucified Christ, Whom I honor, Whom I worship and do not forbid those who love Him from singing the blessed song: Alleluia.”

Ikos 3

Having in his heart a feeling of living Christian faith, the great Constantine commanded that idols be crushed and temples be built where hosts of Angels and faces of the righteous pray to their Creator. We, who are unworthy, asking for the peace of the world and a good answer at the Last Judgment of Christ, call to you:

Rejoice, you who are the first kings among Christians;

Rejoice, adorned with mercy and power.

Rejoice, clothed in love and righteousness;

Rejoice, being delivered from the enemy’s charms.

Rejoice, guardian of church statutes;

Rejoice, lover of virginity and chastity.

Rejoice, you who have abolished pagan temples on earth;

Rejoice, having established the day of celebration of Sunday.

Rejoice, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Elena, who have found the Cross of the Lord, a saving weapon.

Kontakion 4

The stormy streams of Christian blood have come to an end by your command, Saint Constantine; those who are in prisons become weak, those hiding in caves and mountains return back, and the children of the Church meet each other with the kiss of the saints in an embrace, singing a song of praise to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Having heard your commandment, the martyrs and sufferers of Christ, blessed Constantine, freely confess the faith of Christ, rejoicing and singing to you with tears of joy:

Rejoice, decoration of great Rome;

Rejoice, liberation of the prisoners of Christ.

Rejoice, abolition of the pagan world;

Rejoice, destruction of idols and idols.

Rejoice, confirmation of rights and laws;

Rejoice, magical spells and fortune telling are a punitive prohibition.

Rejoice, you care for the Church, like a child-loving mother;

Rejoice, forbidding those condemned to crucifixion.

Rejoice, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Elena, who have found the Cross of the Lord, a saving weapon.

Kontakion 5

Having seen the Resurrection of Christ, people sang: behold the Cross, through which came joy to the whole world. Unknown to the world, the weapon with which the new David conquered death was hidden from the worship of faithful people, the Angels only guarded the honorable Cross, silently chanting: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Seeing the eighty-year-old old woman, God-wise mother Elena, your heart, most wonderful to Tsar Constantine, filled with desire for the glorification of the Holy Tree, she herself accepts the work with diligence, so that she will open the treasure for worship with all her tongue, with love calling you like this:

Rejoice, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helen, kings of wisdom;

Rejoice, holy duo, beloved by God.

Rejoice, flaming with love for Him like the Seraphim;

Rejoice, you who served with zeal like the Apostles.

Rejoice in your zeal as wives who have come from the world;

Rejoice, glorified by all earthly beings for your exploits.

Rejoice, for the Angels rejoice with you in heaven;

Rejoice, for men will always praise you on earth.

Rejoice, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Elena, who have found the Cross of the Lord, a saving weapon.

Kontakion 6

The preacher of the mystery where the blessed Tree was was a certain Judas, who did not want to indicate this place, for this sake he was exhausted by hunger in the depths of the treasure at the command of the holy Queen Helen, to whom the Holy Spirit was revealed, so that he would use every effort to seek the Cross of the Lord for joy Orthodox Christian singing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

A ray of Divine light shone into the hearts of Judas, who had hitherto been adamant to the petitions and admonitions of the God-wise Queen Helen, who opened his mouth and said: “Near Golgotha, in the temple of Venus, you will find the Cross of your Christ.” From there she began to search, having endured much labor, but not having found the treasure, she was extremely exhausted. When you sensed a great fragrance from the bowels of the earth, increased your labors and gained three crosses, then the faithful people glorified you with tears:

Rejoice, zealous seeker of the blessed Tree;

Rejoice, continuation of the apostolic deeds without laziness.

Rejoice, you who have revealed the triumph of the Orthodox faith;

Rejoice, people who honor the Cross of the Lord, you have greatly rejoiced.

Rejoice, you who have sanctified the air with a life-giving sign;

Rejoice, having found the Cross and left an eternal memory for people.

Rejoice, having brought endless joy to the whole world.

Rejoice, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Elena, who have found the Cross of the Lord, a saving weapon.

Kontakion 7

Although they carefully took away the Cross, on which the Holy Sacrifice was offered, so that they would not give the honor of the Cross to another, the blessed Patriarch Macarius commanded to lay crosses on the sick and dead, but these came to life and were well, then the people, having seen the miracle, fell prostrate to the ground, to the Life-giving Cross, to the conqueror of death and hell, singing: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

A new Christian temple is being built by the wise Queen Helen on Golgotha ​​for the worldwide exaltation of the Life-giving Cross of the Lord, and countless people pray to the blessed Patriarch Macarius, that they may be worthy to see Holy Cross. He, filled with humility, raised the Cross high with the consecrated cathedral, so that everyone could see; Seeing this, the tribes and nations shouted with reverence and joy:

Rejoice, Blessed Tree, by whom the primordial two were saved;

Rejoice, Honest Tree, release hell from the prisoners.

Rejoice, Honest Tree, guarded by Archangels and Angels;

Rejoice, Honest Tree, foreseen by the prophets of God.

Rejoice, Honest Tree, joy of the venerable and righteous;

Rejoice, Honest Tree, hope and salvation for repentant sinners.

Rejoice, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Elena, who have found the Cross of the Lord, a saving weapon.

Kontakion 8

To the one who wanders on our lands for the sake of salvation, Who had no place to bow his head, erecting temples of the Divine Wisdom of Constantine and Helen, born in Bethlehem, on Golgotha, where they were crucified, on the Mount of Olives, from there he ascended to the Beginning Father, and at the oak of Mamre, where Abraham Invite Him strangely, and all the faithful continually sing the Seraphim’s song: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

All your service will be to the glory of the Sweetest Lord and His Most Pure Mother, Intercessor of the world. What tongue will utter the labors you have raised? What mind will comprehend joy when you find the desired Cross of the Lord? For this reason, all earthly creatures gratefully cry out to you:

Rejoice, having lived with angelic purity;

Rejoice, having loved the Lord with all your heart.

Rejoice, having labored with apostolic zeal;

Rejoice, having been adorned with Christian humility.

Rejoice, having accumulated all virtues within yourself;

Rejoice, you who have inherited the bliss of heaven.

Rejoice, for you always see the Creator and Lord;

Rejoice, for your reward is abundant in heaven.

Rejoice, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Elena, who have found the Cross of the Lord, a saving weapon.

Kontakion 9

Having rejected all heretical teachings, the godly fathers and teachers who gathered at your command, Tsar Constantine, at the first Ecumenical Council, drove away Arius and his accomplices, and like thunder we roared to the end of the song: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

The oracles of sweet speech, the God-bearing fathers, the saints and teachers at the council of Niceistem, Nicholas of Myra, Spyridon of Trimifunt, Paphnutius of Thebaid, Paul of Neocaesarea, Athanasius of Alexandria and other confessors of Christ, who, having become wise from above, set forth the Creed there and legitimized the entire Church to sing the Trinity of the Consubstantial, bringing a hymn of thanksgiving to the Supreme Lord of all God and to one’s fellow servant, crying out:

Rejoice, worthy son of your mother, the God-wise Helen;

Rejoice, imitating her in humility beyond words.

Hail, king, surpassing the wisdom of Solomon;

Rejoice, thou who has acquired the faith of the forefather Abraham.

Rejoice, high architect of laws and power;

Rejoice, new Apostle of the great city of Constantinople.

Rejoice, merciful and meek ruler;

Rejoice, wise chairman of the first Council of Nicaea.

Rejoice, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Elena, who have found the Cross of the Lord, a saving weapon.

Kontakion 10

You did not forbid those who wanted to be saved in the struggle of virginity, O great Constantine, so that with a pure heart they offer prayers to the One God for the peace of the whole world and, the renunciation of the rumors of everyday life, as the Angels sing: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

The Most Pure Virgin Herself, the Lady of heaven and earth, will be your wall, cover and protection in everything. You gave her your new city on the banks of the Bosphorus, and all people, strengthened by Her merciful intercession, remembering your faith and deeds, O praiseworthy Constantine, cry out with compunction:

Rejoice, you who consecrated the new capital of Byzantium;

Rejoice, having entrusted the intercession and protection of the Mother of God.

Rejoice, you who created the temple of God in Her name;

Rejoice, you who glorified fervent prayers in it.

Rejoice, as an intelligent servant who multiplied his talents;

Rejoice, having surrendered your will to the will of God.

Rejoice, decoration of the temples of saints;

Rejoice, admonition of the shepherds of the Church of Christ.

Rejoice, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Elena, who have found the Cross of the Lord, a saving weapon.

Kontakion 11

Singing and fervent prayers now offered in your church, the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Kings Constantine and Helen, we ask with tears: lift up your blessed hands, in the image of which you have received the Holy Cross, and pray to the Lord crucified on it, so that in repentance we continually call to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

Your death is bright and joyful, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Konstantin and Elena, for you are holding the victorious sign in your arms, showing by this, that each one may take up his cross and, humbly walking the path of his earthly journey, be honored to receive a painless death and the Divine Mysteries of communion, crying out with tears to you:

Rejoice, as you sing the Trisagion hymn to Him with the Angels;

Rejoice, for you stand before Him with the council of the Apostles.

Rejoice, for together with all the saints you see the village of paradise;

Rejoice, merciful caretaker of the poor and wretched.

Rejoice, quick liberators from bonds and captivity;

Rejoice, those who do not honor the holiday with strict punishments.

Rejoice, for all those who honor your memory have interceded before the Lord.

Rejoice, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Elena, who have found the Cross of the Lord, a saving weapon.

Kontakion 12

Ask for the grace of peace and silence for those who come to your intercession, saints of God, save our fatherland from the enemies coming against us and internecine warfare, so that we may receive God’s mercy through your prayers, crying out with all the saints to the Lord Christ: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing and praising you, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Kings Constantine and Helen, we celebrate your holy memory and ask: do not forget us, sinners, who honor your works and exploits, and we all call to you with faith and love:

Rejoice, protector of this city and temple;

Rejoice, teacher of the Church of Godly Wisdom, shepherd.

Rejoice, bright lamps in the darkness for those who have gone astray;

Rejoice, prayer books are warm for our fatherland before God.

Rejoice, for you heal the sick, the blind and the deaf;

Rejoice, for you are delivering us from unexpected death.

Rejoice, you frighten heretics and blasphemers of the faith with the fear of God’s justice;

Rejoice, you ask forgiveness from the Throne of God for sinners who repent.

Rejoice, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Elena, who have found the Cross of the Lord, a saving weapon.

Kontakion 13

O wise two, great kings Constantine and Helen, accept this small prayer of ours and the praise brought to you! Deliver those who honor your holy memory from sinful passions and eternal condemnation, so that through your intercession we may, until the end of our days, venerate the Life-giving Tree of the Cross of the Lord and there, where the eternal light shines, sing in the glory of the Cross: Alleluia.

This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos, “The Council of Angels...” and the 1st kontakion, “The election of the eternal King...”.

Prayer 1

About the wonderful and all-praised king, the holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helen! To you, as a warm intercessor, we offer our unworthy prayers, for you have great boldness towards the Lord. Ask Him for the peace of the Church and prosperity for the whole world, wisdom for the ruler, care for the flock for the shepherd, humility for the flock, desired peace for the elders, strength for husbands, beauty for women, purity for virgins, obedience for children, Christian education for babies, healing for the sick, reconciliation for those at war, patience for the offended, those who offend the fear of God. To those who come to this temple and pray in it, a holy blessing and everything useful for each request, let us praise and sing the Benefactor of all God, glorified in the Trinity, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer 2

About Saints Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helen! Deliver this parish and our temple from every slander of the enemy and do not abandon us, the weak, through your intercession. (names), beg the goodness of Christ our God to grant us peace of mind, abstinence from destructive passions and all filth, and unfeigned piety. Ask us, pleasers of God, from above for the spirit of meekness and humility, the spirit of patience and repentance, so that we may live the rest of our life in faith and contrition of heart, and so at the hour of our death we will gratefully praise the Lord who glorified you, the Father Without Beginning, His Only Begotten Son and the Consubstantial All-Blessed One. Spirit, the Indivisible Trinity, forever and ever. Amen.

Christians celebrate their name days on this day, named in honor of saints Constantine, Helen, Yaroslav, Michael, Theodore, and Andrew.

May God's peace and blessing be with you, dear birthday people. Joy and peace to you in the Holy Spirit.

Today the Holy Church commemorates Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helen.

Holy Emperor Constantine, who received the title Equal-to-the-Apostles from the Church, and world history- The Great, was the son of Caesar Constantius Chlorus, who ruled the countries of Gaul and Britain. The huge Roman Empire at that time was divided into Western and Eastern, headed by two independent emperors who had co-rulers, one of whom in the Western half was the father of Emperor Constantine. Holy Queen Helen, mother of Emperor Constantine, was a Christian. Future ruler throughout the Roman Empire - Constantine - was brought up with respect for the Christian religion. His father did not persecute Christians in the countries he ruled, while throughout the rest of the Roman Empire Christians were subjected to severe persecution by the emperors Diocletian, his co-ruler Maximian Galerius in the East and the emperor Maximian Herculus in the West.

After the death of Constantius Chlorus, his son Constantine in 306 was proclaimed emperor of Gaul and Britain by the troops. The first task of the new emperor was to proclaim freedom of professing the Christian faith in the countries under his control. The pagan fanatic Maximian Galerius in the East and the cruel tyrant Maxentius in the West hated Emperor Constantine and plotted to depose and kill him, but Constantine warned them and, with the help of God, defeated all his opponents in a series of wars. He prayed to God to give him a sign that would inspire his army to fight bravely, and the Lord showed him in the sky the shining sign of the Cross with the inscription “By this way conquer.”

Having become the sovereign ruler of the Western part of the Roman Empire, Constantine issued the Edict of Milan on religious tolerance in 313, and in 323, when he reigned as the sole emperor over the entire Roman Empire, he extended the Edict of Milan to the entire eastern part of the empire. After three hundred years of persecution, Christians for the first time had the opportunity to openly confess their faith in Christ.

Having abandoned paganism, the emperor did not leave ancient Rome, which was the center of the pagan state, as the capital of the empire, but moved his capital to the east, to the city of Byzantium, which was renamed Constantinople. Constantine was deeply convinced that only the Christian faith could unite the vast, heterogeneous Roman Empire. He supported the Church in every possible way, brought back Christian confessors from exile, built churches, and took care of the clergy. Deeply revering the Cross of the Lord, the emperor wanted to find the very Life-giving Cross on which our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified. For this purpose, he sent his mother, the holy queen Helen, to Jerusalem, giving her great powers and material resources. Together with Patriarch Macarius of Jerusalem, Saint Helena began a search, and by the Providence of God the Life-Giving Cross was miraculously found in 326. While in Palestine, the holy queen did a lot for the benefit of the Church. She ordered to free all places associated with the earthly life of the Lord and His Most Pure Mother from all traces of paganism, and ordered the erection of Christian churches in these memorable places. Above the Cave of the Holy Sepulcher, Emperor Constantine himself ordered the construction of a magnificent temple in honor of the Resurrection of Christ. Saint Helena gave the Life-Giving Cross for safekeeping to the Patriarch, and took part of the Cross with her to present to the Emperor. Having distributed generous alms in Jerusalem and arranged meals for the poor, during which she herself served, Holy Queen Helena returned to Constantinople, where she soon died in 327. For her great services to the Church and her labors in obtaining the Life-Giving Cross, Queen Helena is called Equal-to-the-Apostles.

The peaceful existence of the Christian Church was disrupted by the unrest and discord that arose within it due to the emergence of heresies. Even at the beginning of the activity of Emperor Constantine, the heresy of the Donatists and Novatians arose in the West, demanding the repetition of baptism over Christians who had fallen away during persecution. This heresy, rejected by two Local Councils, was finally condemned by the Council of Milan in 316. But especially destructive for the Church was the heresy of Arius, which arose in the East, which dared to reject the Divine essence of the Son of God and teach about the creatureliness of Jesus Christ. By order of the emperor, the First Ecumenical Council was convened in the city of Nicaea in 325. 318 bishops gathered for this Council, its participants were bishops-confessors during the period of persecution and many other luminaries of the Church, among whom was St. Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra. The Emperor attended the meetings of the Council. The heresy of Arius was condemned, and the term “Consubstantial with the Father” was included in the compiled Creed, forever cementing in the minds of Orthodox Christians the truth about the Divinity of Jesus Christ, who assumed human nature for the redemption of the entire human race.

One can be amazed at the deep church consciousness and feeling of Saint Constantine, who singled out the definition of “Consubstantial”, which he heard in the debates of the Council, and proposed to include it in the Creed.

After the Council of Nicea, Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine continued his active work in favor of the Church. At the end of his life, he accepted Holy Baptism, having prepared for it with his whole life. Saint Constantine died on the day of Pentecost in 337 and was buried in the Church of the Holy Apostles, in a tomb he had prepared in advance.

Father Savva writes: “First of all, pray intensely to God, with strict fasting, for the gift of a spiritual father. Then, when the prayer is fulfilled, you must have complete trust in your spiritual father.” He gave this testament to his spiritual children:

“Bring a full confession from the age of six. Ask to establish rules for prayer in church and at home, for sleep, for work. Before coming to your spiritual father with any question, pray earnestly that the Lord would reveal His will to him; go to your spiritual father with full faith that the Lord will reveal His will to us through him. Unconditionally and accurately carry out everything said by your spiritual father, have complete obedience to him. Do not hide anything from your spiritual father, no embarrassment, sin, etc.

If any confusion, mistrust, or suspicion appears in relation to your spiritual father, immediately tell your spiritual father about it with complete frankness, otherwise the enemy may destroy you. Constantly pray for your spiritual father and always seek his blessings and prayers. In difficult circumstances, cry out to the Lord: “Lord, through the prayers of my spiritual father (name), save me or help me in this and that.”

If there is a desire to change any of the rules given by the spiritual father, either in relation to lengthening prayers, fasting, etc., or, conversely, reducing them, then do this with the blessing of the spiritual father.”

Useful thoughts of the holy fathers:

“To be successful in the fight against passions, you need to take care to have an experienced mentor, not a caresser, but a fair one. And in earthly sciences mentors and long training are required, so is it possible to do without them in the most difficult and great task of heaven? Reverence your confessor as if you were a servant of God or an angel, but do not become attached to him as a human being, kiss his hand like an icon or the wounds of Christ, do not talk too much to him, especially do not joke, do not try to arouse his affection: after all, he is not given for friendship, but for the salvation of the soul. Be afraid to entertain or seduce him. It’s bad if you become attached to him, and he obscures the image of Christ in your heart. To do this, keep in memory his instructions, but not the features of his face, otherwise you will not receive healing of the soul, but harm.”

The most important spiritual condition is that a person should not obscure the image of Christ, so that, as Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh says, the priest should be, as it were, “transparent”: the face of Christ should be visible through him.

“Just as a ship that has a skilled helmsman enters safely into its refuge with God’s help, so a soul that has a good shepherd ascends comfortably to heaven, even though it has done a lot of evil before.”

“Those who experience any anxiety, or any bewilderment, or a split in their conscience should turn to their spiritual father, experienced in the matter of spiritual life (if they do not have their own confessor), accompanying this with a hopeful prayer, that the Lord will reveal the truth through them and will provide a soothing resolution of perplexity and confusion, and then completely calm down at their word.”

“Everything must be done with the blessing of the spiritual father. You are wise in that without blessing you do not enter into any communication with others. If you do this, you will easily preserve and save yourself.”

The Church pays a lot of attention to the relationship between the confessor and his child. There are also enough warnings that you need to carefully test so as not to end up with an ordinary rower instead of the helmsman (the one who controls the ship). A lot is said about the right relationship: that there is no need to become attached, to look for sincerity, friendship. The emerging soulfulness overlaps spiritual relationships, and partiality and partiality arise. The confessor must be a doctor, but treating the spiritual child humanly (when the relationship has developed in this way), he loses sobriety, clarity, sensitivity and prudence and can make some decisions based on people-pleasing, because everyone is weak. And this is not useful, since it does not bring spiritual fruit and results.

Let's be careful, my dears! Let us ask God to grant spiritual guidance, to value these relationships, if they have developed, and to understand that this is a certain degree of church maturity - when a person has a permanent priest for advice. Lord help us all!

Priest Evgeniy Popichenko

Transcript: Nina Kirsanova

Not long ago, the collection of my artifacts was replenished with a Roman coin dating back to the 4th century with the image of St. Helena. From history we know who Helen was and what contribution this woman made to the spread of Christianity.

Flavia Julia Helena Augusta (lat. Flavia Iulia Helena, c. 250-330) - mother of the Roman emperor Constantine I. She became famous for her activities in spreading Christianity and her excavations in Jerusalem, during which, according to Christian chroniclers, they were found The Holy Sepulcher, the Life-Giving Cross and other relics of the Passion.

Helen is revered by a number of Christian churches as a saint among the Equal-to-the-Apostles (Holy Queen Helen, Equal-to-the-Apostles, Helen of Constantinople).

The exact year of Elena's birth is unknown. She was born in the small village of Drepan (lat. Drepanum) in Bithynia (near Constantinople in Asia Minor), as Procopius reports. Later, her son, Emperor Constantine the Great, in honor of his mother, “made the former village of Drepana a city and named it Elenopolis.” Today this settlement is identified with the Turkish city of Hersek, near Altinova, Yalova province.

According to modern historians, Elena helped her father at the horse station, poured wine for travelers waiting for the horses to be re-harnessed and re-mounted, or simply worked as a servant in a tavern. There she apparently met Constantius Chlorus, who under Maximian Herculius became the ruler (Caesar) of the West. In the early 270s, she became his wife, or concubine, that is, an unofficial permanent cohabitant.

On February 27, 272, in the city of Naiss (modern Serbian Niš), Helen gave birth to a son, Flavius ​​Valerius Aurelius Constantine, the future Emperor Constantine the Great, who made Christianity the state religion of the Roman Empire. Nothing is known about whether Elena had any more children.

In 293, Constantius was adopted by Emperor Maximian and separated from Helen, marrying Maximian's stepdaughter Theodora. After this and before the reign of her son, there is no information about Elena’s life. She probably did not move far from her homeland, since her son Constantine began his rise from Nicomedia (the center of Bithynia), from where he was called to the west in 305 by his father, who became emperor of the western part of the Roman Empire. It is possible that Helen moved west closer to her son in Trevir (modern Trier), which became the residence of Constantine after he inherited the westernmost part of the Roman Empire from his father. A pamphlet published by the episcopate and clergy of Trier Cathedral reports that St. Helena “gave part of her palace to Bishop Agritius” for the use of a church, becoming the founder of the Trier Cathedral of St. Peter.

When Constantine converted to Christianity (after his victory at the Milvian Bridge in 312), Helen, following his example, also converted to Christianity, although by that time she was already over sixty. The testimony of a contemporary, Eusebius of Caesarea, has been preserved about this. The first coins depicting Helen, where she is titled Nobilissima Femina (lit. “most noble woman”), were minted in 318-319. in Thessalonica. During this period, Helen probably lived at the imperial court in Rome or Trier, but there is no mention of this in historical chronicles. In Rome she owned a vast estate near the Lateran. In one of the premises of her palace, a Christian church was built - the Helena Basilica (Liber Pontificalis attributes its construction to Constantine, but historians do not exclude the possibility that the idea of ​​rebuilding the palace belonged to Helena herself).

In 324, Helen was proclaimed Augusta by her son: “he crowned his godly mother, Helen, with the royal crown, and allowed her, as a queen, to mint her coin.” Eusebius noted that Constantine entrusted Helen with managing the royal treasury at her discretion. There is also evidence of the emperor’s great respect for his mother from a non-Christian historian. Aurelius Victor tells the story of how Constantine killed his wife Fausta because of Helen's reproaches against her.

In 326, Elena (already at a very old age, although in good health) undertook a pilgrimage to Jerusalem: “this old woman of extraordinary intelligence hurried to the east with the speed of a youth.” Eusebius spoke in detail about her pious activities during the journey, and echoes of it were preserved in the 5th century rabbinical anti-evangelical work “Toldot Yeshu”, in which Helen (Constantine’s mother) was named the ruler of Jerusalem and was credited with the role of Pontius Pilate.

Elena died at the age of 80 - according to various assumptions, in 328, 329 or 330. The place of her death is not known exactly; it is called Trier, where she had a palace, or even Palestine. The version of Helen’s death in Palestine is not confirmed by the message of Eusebius Pamphilus that she “ended her life in the presence, in the eyes and in the arms of such a great son who served her.”

At the age of about 80, Elena took a trip to Jerusalem. Socrates Scholasticus writes that she did this after receiving instructions in a dream. The Chronography of Theophanes reports the same thing: “she had a vision in which she was commanded to go to Jerusalem and bring to the light of the divine places closed by the wicked.” Having received support in this endeavor from her son, Elena went on a pilgrimage:

«… Divine Constantine sent blessed Helen with treasures to find the life-giving cross of the Lord. The Patriarch of Jerusalem, Macarius, met the queen with due honor and together with her looked for the desired life-giving tree, remaining in silence and diligent prayers and fasting».

(Chronography of Theophanes, year 5817 (324/325)

In search of relics of the Passion of Christ, Elena undertook excavations at Golgotha, where, having excavated the cave in which, according to legend, Jesus Christ was buried, she found the Life-Giving Cross, four nails and the title INRI. Also, a 9th century legend, not based on historical chronicles, connects the origin of the holy staircase with Helen’s pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Her discovery of the Cross marked the beginning of the celebration of the Exaltation of the Cross. Help in the excavations of Helen was provided by the Bishop of Jerusalem Macarius I and the local resident Judas Cyriacus mentioned in the apocrypha.

This story is described by many Christian authors of that time: Ambrose of Milan (c. 340-397), Rufinus (345-410), Socrates Scholastic (c. 380-440), Theodoret of Cyrus (386-457). ), Sulpicius Severus (c. 363-410), Sozomen (c. 400-450) and others.

Helen's journey and charity during the pilgrimage are described in the Life of Blessed Basileus Constantine by Eusebius of Caesarea, written after the death of Constantine to glorify the emperor and his family (Discovery of the Life-Giving Cross by Helen in Jerusalem, Agnolo Gaddi, 1380).

Traveling throughout the entire East with royal splendor, she showered countless benefits both on the population of the cities in general, and, in particular, on everyone who came to her; The right hand generously rewarded the troops and helped the poor and helpless a lot. She provided monetary benefits to some, provided others with clothing in abundance to cover their nakedness, freed others from shackles, relieved them of hard work in the mines, ransomed them from lenders, and returned some from imprisonment.