St. Constantine (the Great)
(d. 337)

The son of St. Helen, who became emperor when his father Constantine Chlorus died in 306 after having defeated his rival Maxentius at the battle of the Milvian bridge.After having seen a vision of a cross in the sky, St. Constantine became Christian, according to legend, but was not baptized until his deathbed.
St. Constantine was very much involved in the church's affairs, and presided in councils, had churches built and made legislations based on Christian beliefs and morals. In the East he his often called the "13th apostle".
On his and his mother's nameday, the tradition of walking across burning is coal is still a custom in northern Greece.
Orthodox nameday: 21/5


St. Constantine & St. Helen  

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