St. Constantine

Saint Constantine, known as Constantine the Great, was the first Christian Roman Emperor and is revered as the "Thirteenth Apostle" in the Eastern Church. His reign marked a pivotal moment in Christian history, transforming the Roman Empire from a persecutor of Christians to a defender of the faith.

Born around 272 AD, Constantine was the son of Constantius I Chlorus, a junior emperor, and St. Helena. He was raised at the court of co-Emperor Diocletian, where he received a comprehensive education in military strategy, politics, and administration. This upbringing prepared him for the complex challenges he would face as ruler of the Roman Empire.

When his father died in 306, Constantine was declared junior emperor of York, England, by the local legions. This marked the beginning of his rise to power. His most significant military victory came at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312, where he defeated his main rivals and secured his position as ruler of the Empire.

According to legend, before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, Constantine had a vision of the Chi-Rho symbol (the first two letters of Christ's name in Greek) and the words "In this sign conquer." He adopted this Christian insignia and placed it upon his labarum - the military standards that his armies carried into battle. This marked a dramatic shift in his relationship with Christianity.

Constantine's reign was characterized by his efforts to Christianize the Roman Empire. He shared rule with Licinius Licinianus and used his considerable influence to secure the declaration of Christianity as a free religion. He presided over the Council of Nicaea in 325, which established important Christian doctrines, and founded the Christian city of Constantinople as his new capital. While he was baptized only on his deathbed, Constantine's impact on Christian history was profound and lasting.

Liturgical Celebration

The feast of St. Constantine is celebrated on May 21st. This date commemorates his life and work as the first Christian emperor and his contributions to the spread and establishment of Christianity in the Roman Empire.

Eastern Church Recognition

Constantine is particularly revered in the Eastern Orthodox Church, where he is known as the "Thirteenth Apostle" and "Equal to the Apostles." This recognition reflects the profound impact he had on the development of Christianity and his role in establishing the Church as a major institution in the Roman Empire.

Modern Relevance

In today's world, St. Constantine's feast day serves as a reminder of the importance of religious freedom and the role of leaders in protecting and promoting faith. It's a day to reflect on the relationship between Church and state, and to pray for leaders who will defend religious liberty and promote Christian values in society.