Life
The Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Emperor Constantine the Great was born around 272 in Naissus (present-day Niš, Serbia), a city that was then part of the Roman province of Upper Moesia. He was the son of Emperor Constantius Chlorus and Saint Helena, a woman of humble origin but immeasurable faith. From early childhood Constantine grew up in imperial courts, acquiring military and administrative experience, and ultimately, after turbulent struggles for the throne, came to rule the entire Roman Empire.
The decisive moment in the life of Emperor Constantine came on the eve of the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312. According to tradition, a cross of light appeared in the sky bearing the inscription: “In hoc signo vinces” — “In this sign thou shalt conquer.” Constantine had the monogram of Christ (the Chi-Rho) inscribed on his soldiers’ shields, and with that standard went into battle. He conquered Maxentius and thereby became the sole master of the western portion of the empire. This event is considered the spiritual birth of the Christian Roman Empire.
In 313 Constantine, together with his co-ruler Licinius, issued the famous Edict of Milan, which guaranteed Christians freedom of religion and the restitution of confiscated property. This historic document ended the centuries-long period of Christian persecution and opened a new era in the history of the Church. Constantine then convened church councils, assisted in the building of churches, influenced the codification of church law, and moved the capital of the empire to Byzantium, which he named Constantinople — the City of Constantine.
The holy Emperor especially protected the Church against heresies. At the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea in 325, which he convened and opened, the Arian heresy was condemned and the Symbol of Faith was composed. Though he was baptized only on his deathbed in 337 — which was common practice at the time — Constantine lived and ruled in a Christian spirit throughout his life.
The Holy Empress Helena, his mother, deserves a special place in the history of the Church. A deeply devout and gifted woman, she made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in her advanced age, around 326. There she organized excavations on Golgotha and, according to Church tradition, found the True Cross of the Lord on which Christ had been crucified. She also ordered the construction of great basilicas — the Church of the Resurrection in Jerusalem and the Church of the Nativity of Christ in Bethlehem — which stand to this day as witnesses of her faith and love. Helena died around 330, surrounded by her son’s care and the love of the faithful people.
The Orthodox Church celebrates Saints Constantine and Helena on May 21 by the Julian calendar, and the title “Equal-to-the-Apostles” (isa-apostolos) which they received places them in the ranks of the most luminous figures of Christian history — equal to the apostles in their service to the spreading of the faith of Christ.
Tropar (Tone 8)
Having emulated the equal of the Apostles, and having become equal to the kings in faith — thou didst overthrow all the assemblies of the pagans, receiving the trophy of the Cross of Christ — all the right-believing emperors, O Master, who glorify thee even now. Intercede with Christ God to save our souls.
Kontakion (Tone 3)
Today Constantine with his mother Helena reveal the Cross, most honorable weapon, for through the Cross the Jews were confounded, and we the faithful are protected — for in it our God Who wars for us receives great power.
About the Feast
Konstantindan, celebrated on June 3 by the New Calendar, is one of the recognizable Serbian patron feasts passed down through generations. Though it is not the most widespread feast, families who keep it preserve it with great reverence and seriousness, mindful of the greatness of the figures to whom it is dedicated.
On Konstantindan the host of the family attends the morning Liturgy, brings the slava bread which the priest blesses and cuts with the appropriate prayers. The koljivo (wheat memorial) is prepared in memory of all the deceased members of the family, the slava candle burns throughout the entire day, and the mistress of the house prepares an abundant table, which by rule includes Lenten or unrestricted dishes depending on whether the feast falls within a fasting period.
The sanctity of the day is underscored by the story of an emperor who received his sight with the aid of faith — Constantine, according to tradition, suffered from a grave illness and visions, and faith in Christ brought him both bodily and spiritual healing. Those who bear the names Constantine or Helena celebrate this day simultaneously as their name-day.
In some regions of Serbia there is a custom of lighting fires on heights on this day, in remembrance of the heavenly vision of the cross that Emperor Constantine saw. This folk element gives the celebration a distinctive Slavic character, joining Christian tradition with older expressions of reverence for heaven and light.
The Church reminds the faithful that the protection of Christians by Emperor Constantine was a providential gift of God, and calls all who celebrate this feast to honor that gift not only with feasting but with prayer, gratitude, and worship of God Who governs history.