HELENA OF CONSTANTINOPLE Meaning and
Definition
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Helena of Constantinople, also known as Saint Helena or Helena Augusta, was the mother of the first Christian Roman Emperor, Constantine the Great. She was born in the mid-3rd century, around 248 AD, in Bithynia, an ancient region in present-day Turkey. Helena married Constantius Chlorus, a Roman general, and gave birth to their son Constantine in Naissus, Moesia Superior, which is now modern-day Serbia.
Helena played a significant role in the Christianization of the Roman Empire. After her son became Emperor, she embraced Christianity and became known for her piety and devotion to the faith. She made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where she is reputed to have discovered the True Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified.
Helena's major contributions to Christianity were her construction of impressive churches at important biblical sites, such as the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Her influence and patronage helped to establish Christianity as a legitimate and respected religion within the Roman Empire.
Helena's veneration as a saint began in the Eastern Orthodox Church and later spread to the Roman Catholic Church and other Christian traditions. She is often depicted holding a Christian cross, and her feast day is celebrated on August 18th. Helena remains an important figure in Christian history, revered for her role in promoting the faith and her devotion to the Holy Land.
