ST. HELENA (MAY 21ST)

St. Helena, Mother of Constantine, Finder of the True Cross

By Bp. Joseph Boyd (Ancient Church of the West) 

St. Helena, born of humble origins, rose to prominence as the mother of Constantine the Great, the first Christian Roman Emperor. Her journey from commoner to empress underscores a profound transformation, both personal and societal. Helena's unwavering faith and influence on her son were instrumental in the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. As a devout Christian, she played a pivotal role in Constantine's conversion, which marked the beginning of the Empire's shift towards embracing Christianity. St. Helena's faith and determination in the face of her humble beginnings exemplify the power of God's grace working through individuals, regardless of their social standing.

One of the most notable events in St. Helena's life was her discovery of the True Cross in AD 326. According to the ancient tradition, she journeyed to Jerusalem in her later years, driven by a fervent desire to find the cross on which Jesus was crucified, desiring a strong, personal connection to our Lord. After a meticulous search, she discovered the cross hidden in a tomb. To determine its authenticity, she brought an old beggar suffering from leprosy to touch the relic. Upon touching the rugged tree, the man was miraculously cured, confirming the cross's divine power. This miraculous event not only reinforced St. Helena's faith but also solidified her reputation as a protector and promoter of Christian relics and holy sites. 

The True Cross became a symbol of the Eastern Roman Empire, reflected on coinage in both East and West and iconography in all the Churches. The apse of the Hagia Irene, constructed in the 4th century and rebuilt in the 6th century, is decorated with a jeweled version of the True Cross. In AD 614, when the True Cross was stolen by the Persians from its resting place in Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulcher, a war was subsequently fought for its return by Emperor Heraclius. The True Cross was retrieved in AD 628 and thereafter was cut into a myriad of tiny pieces and distributed throughout the Eastern and Western Roman Empire to cathedrals and holy places across the land to ensure its future safety. Charlemagne famously wore an emerald talisman that contained a tiny cross made from the fragments of the True Cross, a tradition perpetuated by the Holy Roman Emperors. As recorded from ancient hymnography, "The Cross was carried on high, a sign of triumph and divine victory, inspiring the faithful and uniting the Empire in the veneration of Christ’s sacrifice."

St. Helena's life serves as an enduring inspiration for all Christians, especially women in the Church. Her simple yet profound faith, unwavering dedication, and compassionate spirit embody the virtues of a Proverbs 31 woman. Helena's example encourages us to be faithful and diligent in our spiritual journeys, seeking God's guidance in all things. Women in the Church can look to her as a model of strength, faith, and service, understanding that their contributions are vital to the health and growth of the entire Body of Christ. The Church thrives and grows when led by the Spirit, when men and women learn and mature together in faith and love, bearing the Fruit of the Spirit through good works. 

The Collect for St. Helena

O ALMIGHTY GOD, who didst reveal to thy servant Helena the place where thy Cross lay hidden, that it might be the sign of our redemption: Grant unto us thy grace, that through her intercession we may find our salvation in thy Cross and in this life may be defended from all adversities. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord, who livest and reignest with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.