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Saint Helen of Constantinople
Mother of Constantine the Great and discoverer of the True Cross
Mother of Constantine the Great and discoverer of the True Cross
Empress and Equal-to-the-Apostles Feast Day: May 21
Saint Helen (c. 246-330 AD), mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, is venerated as “Equal-to-the-Apostles” for her pivotal role in establishing Christianity throughout the Roman Empire and her discovery of the True Cross of Christ.
Born Helena in Drepanum (later renamed Helenopolis in her honor), Helen came from humble origins in Bithynia (modern Turkey). Historical sources suggest she may have been an innkeeper’s daughter before meeting Constantius Chlorus, a Roman officer who would later become Caesar.
Helen became the consort of Constantius around 270 AD and gave birth to Constantine around 272 AD. When Constantius was elevated to Caesar in 293 AD, political considerations forced him to divorce Helen and marry Theodora, stepdaughter of Emperor Maximian.
Helen’s conversion to Christianity likely occurred through the influence of her son Constantine, particularly after his victory at the Milvian Bridge in 312 AD and the subsequent Edict of Milan in 313 AD. Her conversion was sincere and profound, transforming her from a woman of the imperial court into a devoted servant of Christ.
Unlike many converts of her era who delayed baptism, Helen embraced her new faith wholeheartedly and immediately began using her position and resources to advance Christianity throughout the empire.
In 326 AD, at approximately 80 years of age, Helen undertook an extraordinary pilgrimage to the Holy Land. This journey was both a personal act of devotion and an imperial mission to establish Christian sites and build churches in the places associated with Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.
Her pilgrimage was remarkable for its scope and impact:
The most famous event of Helen’s pilgrimage was her discovery of the True Cross of Christ. According to tradition, she ordered excavations on Golgotha, where three crosses were found along with the inscription ordered by Pontius Pilate.
To identify which cross was Christ’s, the crosses were brought to a dying woman. When she touched the True Cross, she was immediately healed. This miracle confirmed the authenticity of the relic.
Helen divided the True Cross, keeping part in Jerusalem and sending portions to Rome and Constantinople. She also found the nails used in the crucifixion, which she incorporated into Constantine’s crown and horse’s bridle, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 14:20.
Helen’s architectural legacy includes some of Christianity’s most important early churches:
Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Jerusalem): Built over the site of Christ’s crucifixion and burial, this became the most important pilgrimage destination in Christianity.
Church of the Nativity (Bethlehem): Constructed over the cave where Christ was born, this church still stands today largely as Helen built it.
Church on the Mount of Olives: Built at the site of Christ’s Ascension, commemorating His return to the Father.
These churches established the Holy Land as the center of Christian pilgrimage and provided architectural models for churches throughout the empire.
Helen’s Christianity was expressed through extensive charitable works:
Her example established the tradition of imperial Christian philanthropy that would characterize Byzantine civilization.
Helen’s discovery of the True Cross has profound theological meaning in Orthodox tradition. The Cross represents Christ’s victory over death and sin, and its recovery symbolizes the triumph of Christianity over paganism.
The Orthodox Church sees in Helen’s pilgrimage a model of authentic Christian devotion - using worldly resources and position in service of the Gospel and the poor. Her humility despite her exalted position exemplifies Christian virtue.
Helen died around 330 AD, shortly after returning from her pilgrimage. She was buried in Rome, though her relics were later translated to various locations.
The Orthodox Church celebrates her feast on May 21, together with her son Constantine. She is invoked as a patron of archaeologists, converts, difficult marriages, and divorced people.
Saint Helen’s impact on Christianity cannot be overstated:
Saint Helen’s example speaks to contemporary Christians about:
Prayer to Saint Helen: Holy Empress Helen, Equal-to-the-Apostles, you discovered the Cross of our salvation and built churches to glorify Christ. Help us to seek the Cross in our own lives and to use our resources, however modest, in service of the Gospel and the poor. Through your intercessions, may we find Christ in all our journeys. Amen.