Saint Constantine and Saint Helen
Equal to the Apostles
May 21
Spiritual Significance
Saints Constantine and Helen are honoured by the Church as Equal-to-the-Apostles because of their great service to the Christian faith. Saint Constantine was the Roman emperor who brought peace to the Church after many years of persecution, allowing Christians to worship openly.
Saint Helen, the mother of Constantine, was a faithful Christian known for her humility, devotion, and love for the holy places connected with the life of Christ. She is especially remembered for her journey to Jerusalem and for the finding of the Life-Giving Cross.
Saint Constantine also played an important role in the life of the Church by supporting the First Ecumenical Council at Nicaea in 325, where the truth of Christ’s divinity was defended against false teaching.
Together, Saints Constantine and Helen remind us that God can work through rulers, parents, and faithful servants to protect the Church and spread the light of Christ throughout the world.
Iconography
In icons, Saints Constantine and Helen are usually shown standing together, wearing royal robes and crowns. Their clothing reminds us of their earthly authority, but also of the heavenly honour they received through their service to Christ.
They are often shown holding the Precious Cross between them. This points to Saint Helen’s discovery of the True Cross in Jerusalem and to Saint Constantine’s support of the Christian faith.
Their calm and solemn expressions show their devotion to God and their role as protectors of the Church. The Cross at the centre of the icon reminds us that their greatness comes not from earthly power, but from their faith in the Crucified and Risen Lord.
Did You Know?
Saint Constantine is remembered as the first Roman emperor to give freedom to Christians after centuries of persecution.
Saint Helen travelled to the Holy Land and helped honour the places connected with Christ’s Passion and Resurrection.
Because of their witness and their service to the Church, both Saints Constantine and Helen are called Equal-to-the-Apostles.