The feast of Saints Constantine and Helen was celebrated in the Patriarchate of Jerusalem on Monday, June 3, 2024.
This holiday commemorates the work of Saint Constantine, the great king and equal to the apostles, who recognized Christianity as a free religion within the Roman state in AD 312, and Saint Helen, who visited the Holy Land in AD 326 and built the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem, among other shrines.
These two saints inaugurated a new era of Rum Orthodox tradition in the Holy Land.
To honor Constantine and Helen, Great Vespers was held on Sunday afternoon and the Divine Liturgy on Monday morning at the Central Monastery, presided over by Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos. Other celebrants included Archimandrite Alexios, Archimandrites Nicodemus, Stephen, Amphilochios, Makarios, Epiphanios, Dionysios, and Priest Farah.
During the Divine Liturgy, Patriarch Theophilos officiated with co-celebrants and the chanting was led by Archbishop Aristovoulos of Madaba and Hierodeacon Simeon, with the help of students from the Patriarchal School of Zion.
After the service, the congregation gathered at the Patriarchate Hall, where small loaves of bread were distributed as a traditional blessing.
Patriarch Theophilos addressed the attendees, highlighting the importance of Saints Constantine and Helen in the history of Christianity and the Holy Land.
He praised Constantine for his role in ending persecutions against the Church and establishing Christianity as a dominant religion. He also acknowledged Helen’s contributions to the Holy Land, particularly the construction of the Holy Sepulchre.
The Patriarch emphasized the importance of peace in the region and the spiritual greatness exemplified by the Saints.
He concluded with a hymn in honor of Constantine, praising his role in spreading the Orthodox faith throughout the world.
Christ is Risen. Amen.