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Equal to the Apostles [[Image:Helen.jpg|right|frame|Empress St. Helen]]The holy and right-believing Empress Saint '''Helen''' (also ''Helena'' and ''Elena'') , Equal to the Apostles (AD c.248 - – c.329) , was the mother of Emperor Saint [[Constantine the Great]]. She was probably born in Drepanum (afterwards re-named Helenopolis) on the Gulf of Her [[Nicomediafeast day]] and allegedly the daughter of an innkeeper. Later legend, mentioned by Geoffrey of Monmouth, claimed that she was a daughter of Briton King Coel, who married her off to Constantius Chlorus I to avoid more war between the Britons and is on [[RomeMay 21]]. Monmouth further states that she was brought up in the manner of a queen, as she had no brothers to inherit the throne of Britaintogether with her son.

Constantius Chlorus divorced her ==Life==She was probably born in Drepanum (afterwards re-named ''circaHelenopolis'' 292) to marry on the step-daughter Gulf of Maximian, Theodora. Helen's son, [[Constantine the Great|ConstantineNicomedia]] later became emperor and allegedly the daughter of an innkeeper. Later legend, mentioned by Geoffrey of Monmouth, claimed that she was a daughter of Briton King Coel, who married her off to Constantius Chlorus I to avoid more war between the Roman Empire, Britons and following his elevation Rome. Monmouth further states that she became was brought up in the manner of a presence at queen, as she had no brothers to inherit the imperial courtthrone of Britain.

She is also considered by the Church Constantius Chlorus divorced her (''circa'' 292) to be a [[saint]], and she is famed for her piety. [[Eusebius]] records marry the details step-daughter of her [[pilgrimage]] to [[Palestine]] and other eastern provincesMaximian, Theodora. She is traditionally credited with the finding of [[relic]]Helen's son Constantine later became emperor of the [[cross]] of [[Jesus Christ|Christ]] (see [[True Cross]] for the story)Roman Empire, and finding the remains of following his elevation she became a presence at the [[Three Wise Men]], which currently reside in the [[Shrine of the Three Kings at Cologne Cathedral]]. Her feast day is on [[May 21]], together with her sonimperial court.

== External links ==*She is considered by the Church to be a [http://www.goarch.org/en/chapel/saints.asp?contentid=62&lang=EN Ss. Constantine [saint]], and Helen at goarchis famed for her piety.org[[Eusebius of Caesarea]*] records the details of her [[http://www.sthelenas-boerne.org/WhoStHelenapilgrimage]] to Palestine and other eastern provinces.htm Who She is Saint Helena?traditionally credited with the finding of [[relics]] of the [[cross]]*of [http://www.roman-emperors.org/helena.htm A more detailed bio [Jesus Christ|Christ]], and with finding the remains of Helen based on historical sourcesthe [[Magi|Three Wise Men]], which currently reside in the [[Shrine]]of the Three Kings at Cologne Cathedral.

==External links==*[http://www.goarch.org/en/chapel/saints.asp?contentid=62&lang=EN Constantine & Helen, Equal-to-the Apostles] ([[GOARCH]])*[http://ocafs.oca.org/FeastSaintsViewer.asp?SID=4&ID=1&FSID=101453 Equal of the Apostles Helen, the Mother of the Emperor Constantine] ([[OCA]])*[http://www.westsrbdio.org/prolog/my.html?month=May&day=21 Saint Constantine and Empress Helena] (''[[Prologue of Ohrid]]'')*[http://www.roman-emperors.org/helena.htm Helena Augusta (248/249-328/329 A.D.)]*[http://www.comeandseeicons.com/h/bmp01.htm Icon and Kontakion of St. Helen]  [[Category:Emperors and KingsRulers]]