Sfintii Constantin si Elena, "cei intocmai cu Apostolii", sunt pomeniti in Biserica Ortodoxa pe 21 mai.
Sarbatoarea Sfintilor Constantin si Elena este strans legata de taina si puterea Sfintei Cruci – semnul central al religiei crestine. Sfantului Constantin i s-a aratat pe cerul amiezii semnul Crucii spre biruinta (In hoc signo vinces – “Intru acest semn vei invinge”), in pragul infruntarii cu paganul Maxentiu, iar Sfinta Elena, mama sa, a descoperit la Ierusalim Crucea pe care Mantuitorul a fost rastignit. Sfanta Imparateasa Elena a trecut la Domnul la anul 327, putin dupa intoarcerea de la Ierusalim, iar Sfantul Imparat Constantin in 337, dupa 31 de ani de domnie.
The 21st of May is a very big holly day as we celebrate the saints Constantin and Elena. Constantin the Great was a leader of the Roman Empire who lived around 300 A.D. He was the son of Queen Elena and the first Christian Roman Emperor.
He established the new capital of Rome at the old Greek town of Byzantium, which he renamed after himself (Constantinople) and which would be the capital of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire. He raised Christianity to the status of a “permitted religion.” He took a direct interest in matters of doctrine and called the first Ecumenical Council of the Catholic Church at Nicaea.In traditional calendar, this event is known as Constantine Starling (Constantin Graur) or Cubs’ Constantine (Constantin al Puilor). Elders say that on this day birds teach their offspring to fly. May 21 is also an occasion for Romanians to celebrate their name day.
Known as those who made Christians free, the two emperors Constantine and Helen became true protectors of the Christians. During his reign, Emperor Constantine adopted a series of measures in favor of the Church and priests. They say his mother, Queen Helena,used to help oppressed Christians.
