Biblical Persons Asia Minor Saint Helen
Saint Helen
Helen was born in Drepanum, Bithinia, in the middle of the third
century. She got married to Constantius Clorus, who later divorced her
for state reasons in order to be able to succeed to Diocletian as
emperor. Out of this wedlock Constantine the Great was born, who after
the death of his father, inherited the imperial throne. He called Helena
by his side and lavishly granted her the title of "August Empress". She
distinguished herself for her deep concern for the suffering, in
particular for political prisoners and their families, the poor and the
sick. In the year 326, already over 80, she set out as a pilgrim to the
Holy Land. It was the dream of her life. There, after praying on the
places where Jesus was born, died and was buried, she ordered that
excavations be started. On the Golgotha, the cross on which Christ died
was found. She had churches built in Bethlehem, on the Mount of The
Olives, from where the risen Lord ascended into heaven, and the
Anastasis basilica enshrining the grave where the lifeless body of
Christ was laid after the crucifixion, and from where he rose up again
to life. She died very probably in Constantinople and was buried in Rome
around the year 328/30. Her feast day in the Catholic Church is held on
August 18, while for the Orthodox it is May 22, together with that of
her son Constantine the Great.
Important Biblical Personalities
Saint Paul
Saint Peter
Saint Barnabas
Saint John
Saint Titus
Saint Timothy
Saint Barbara
Saint Nicholas
Saint Polycarp
Saint Helen
Saint Silas
Saint Margaret
Saint Blaise
Saint Philip
Saint Thecla
Saint Jacob
Saint Basil
Saint Ephraem
Virgin Mary
Saint Gregory Nazianzen
Saint Gregory of Nyssa
Saint Gregory the Illuminator
Constantine The Great