Orthodox Icon of Saint Helen

Saint Helen COPYRIGHTED ART. Do not copy or deep-link to without prior permission from "Come and See" Icons, Books & Art

May 21st
Kontakion (Tone 3)
Today Constantine and Helena his mother expose to our veneration the Cross, the awesome Cross of Christ, a sign of salvation to the Jews and a standard of victory: a great symbol of conquest and triumph.

St. Helen was the mother of St. Constantine the emperor. She served as empress with her son until her death. She was a pious Christian woman. She used whatever monies or properties given to her by her son to serve the people. She built churches and gave freely to even the smallest church in the land for improvements and illuminations, freed those imprisoned or working cruelly in the mines, restored those in exile, and provided money and clothing for the poor and impoverished. She visited many of the holy places where Jesus Christ lived and walked, building churches in his honor. She was seen in Church frequently dressed simply and modestly and mingling with other worshipers. St. Helen was known to be filled with God's love and wisdom as shown by her untiring piety and generosity. At the end of her life, knowing it was drawing near, St. Helen prepared her will, dividing all she had among her son and grandsons. Once it was prepared, she gave up her spirit while in the presence of her son who served as her caretaker.

This Icon is by the hand of Constantine Youssis and is at St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church, New Kensington, Pennsylvania.

Order # ynk-08