Saint Helen (Helena) Equal-to-the-Apostles

Saint Helen (c. 250–330 AD), also known as Helena, was the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great and is venerated throughout the Orthodox world as Equal-to-the-Apostles for her extraordinary role in spreading the Christian faith. Born of humble origins, she became the mother of the first Christian Roman Emperor and used her position and resources entirely in service of the Church.

In her old age, Saint Helen undertook a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where she is credited with discovering the True Cross of Christ in Jerusalem. She also identified and commissioned the construction of churches over the holy sites of the Nativity in Bethlehem and the Ascension on the Mount of Olives, preserving these sacred places for all generations of Christians.

Her tireless charity, care for the poor, and devotion to the faith made her a model of Christian queenship and motherhood. She reposed around 330 AD and her relics are venerated in Rome. Her feast day is celebrated together with her son Constantine on May 21. Browse our handcrafted Orthodox icons and devotional items honoring Saint Helen, made in our Ohio workshop using traditional Byzantine embroidery techniques.