Our Patron Saints
Saints Constantine and Helen, Equal to the Apostles.
The saints of the Church, who are alive in Christ, are not only models whose lives and devotion to God we should strive to emulate, but also intercessors to God. Individual faithful and parish communities are called upon to take a patron saint, in the tradition of the Holy Orthodox Church.
Early churches were built at the site of the graves of many of the Holy Martyrs. These communities were dedicated with the name of the martyr, and he or she was called upon by the community who worshiped there to act as an intercessor and protector for the faithful. Churches today place relics of the saints inside the Altar table, as well as in places for veneration in the church, in remembrance of these holy men and women in our lives.
About Saints Constantine and Helen
Saints Constantine and Helen are commemorated by the Orthodox Church on May 21. Saint Constantine, remembered in history as Constantine the Great, was the son of Constantius Chlorus. After becoming emperor, he played a decisive role in the life of the Church by ending persecution and granting freedom for Christians to worship openly. Before battle, Constantine beheld the sign of the Cross in the heavens and received courage through it. He later embraced the Christian faith and defended the Church with zeal.
Saint Helen, his mother, was distinguished for her piety and devotion. She journeyed to Jerusalem, where, according to Church tradition, she discovered the Precious and Life-Giving Cross of our Lord. Together, Saints Constantine and Helen are honored for their love of Christ, their support of the Church, and their role in exalting the Holy Cross among the faithful.
Saint Constantine is especially remembered for convening the First Ecumenical Council at Nicaea in 325, where the holy Fathers defended the true faith against heresy. Saint Helen is remembered with deep gratitude for her pilgrimage to the Holy Land and for her efforts in building churches at sacred places connected with the earthly life of Christ. For these reasons, the Church praises them both as God-crowned sovereigns and as shining examples of faithful rulers who used their authority in service to God and His people.
Hymns of the Feast
Apolytikion · Eighth Tone
Having seen the image of Your Cross in the heavens, like Paul, he did not receive his call from men. O Lord, Your Apostle among kings, the Emperor Constantine, has placed the Imperial City in Your hand. Always preserve it in peace, through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O only Lover of mankind.
Kontakion · Third Tone
Today Constantine and his mother Helen reveal the precious Cross, the weapon of the faithful against their enemies. For our sake, it has been shown to be a great sign, awesome in battle.
Sources: The Feast of the Holy Great Sovereigns Constantine and Helen, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America; hymn texts from the GOA Digital Chant Stand.