Day of Equal-to-the-Apostles Tsar Constantine and his mother Queen Helena
May 21, Wednesday
Date of Celebration
This feast is typically celebrated on May 21 (according to the Julian calendar used by many Eastern Orthodox churches), which corresponds to June 3 on the Gregorian calendar.
Who Were Constantine and Helena?
- Tsar Constantine the Great: He was the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity and played a crucial role in its legalization and promotion. His Edict of Milan in 313 AD granted religious tolerance throughout the empire, effectively ending the persecution of Christians.
- Queen Helena: The mother of Constantine, she is credited with making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where she is believed to have discovered the True Cross, the cross upon which Jesus was crucified.
Why Are They Called "Equal-to-the-Apostles"?
This title is a special honor in the Eastern Orthodox Church, given to saints who made significant contributions to the spread of Christianity, comparable to the work of the original Apostles. Constantine and Helena are recognized for their foundational roles in establishing Christianity as a major religion within the Roman Empire.
Traditions and Observances
- Church services are held in their honor, including special hymns and readings that recount their lives and deeds.
- Icons of Constantine and Helena are venerated, often depicting them holding a cross between them, symbolizing their connection to the True Cross.
- In some Orthodox countries, this day is also a name day for people named Konstantin or Elena, and it is celebrated with family gatherings and festive meals.
Legacy
The contributions of Constantine and Helena had a lasting impact on Christianity. Constantine’s support helped Christianity transition from a persecuted faith to the dominant religion of the Roman Empire. Helena’s efforts in the Holy Land helped to preserve and commemorate many Christian holy sites.