Saint Helen Painting

St. Helen is the patron saint of difficult marriages, divorced people, converts, and archaeologists. 

Saint Helen, also known as Empress Helena, was the mother of Constantine the Great, the first Christian emperor of Rome. She played a significant role in shaping Christianity and was one of the most influential women in Roman history.

Born around 250 AD in Bithynia (modern-day Turkey), little is known about Saint Helen's early life. She married Constantius Chlorus, a Roman general, and gave birth to their son Constantine in 272 AD. After her husband's death in 306 AD, Constantine became emperor of the Western Roman Empire.

Saint Helen converted to Christianity after her son's ascension to the throne and became an advocate for the faith. As empress, she had a great influence on Constantine and encouraged him to end the persecution of Christians. She also used her position to promote Christianity and helped build churches, including the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

However, Saint Helen's most notable contribution to Christianity was her pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 326 AD. At the age of 75, she traveled to Palestine and embarked on a journey to find the holy sites associated with Jesus' life. She was accompanied by a team of scholars and bishops who assisted her in identifying these locations.

During her pilgrimage, Saint Helen discovered the True Cross of Christ buried beneath a pagan temple in Jerusalem. This significant discovery led to the construction of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which became one of the most sacred sites for Christians. Saint Helen also built several other churches and monasteries at various holy sites in Palestine.

Saint Helen's devotion to Christianity and her contributions to the religion have earned her the title of "Equal to the Apostles" in Eastern Orthodoxy and Catholicism. She is celebrated as a saint on May 21st in the Roman Catholic Church and August 18th in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

In conclusion, Saint Helen's impact on Christianity cannot be overstated. She used her position of power to promote and protect the faith, and her pilgrimage to the Holy Land solidified several important Christian sites that are still revered today. Her legacy continues to inspire Christians around the world and serves as a testament to the enduring power of faith. So, she is not just remembered as the mother of Constantine, but also as a saint and an influential figure in the history of Christianity.  Her story serves as a reminder that even in times of great turmoil and change, faith can be a powerful force for good. Let her memory continue to inspire us to live with compassion, courage, and devotion, just as she did centuries ago.

20"H x 16"L x 2"W

Acrylic on wood