Handmade embroidered icon of Saints Constantine and Helen, on natural wood from Mount Athos. The theme of the icon is depicted with clarity and bright colors, made of gold thread. The embroidery is framed by metal elements, in an aged antique style, with elaborate Byzantine designs. At the bottom there is a metal inscription with Agion Oros, in Greek.
Dimensions: 24 x 43 cm.
Short life of Saint Constantine and Saint Helen
Constantine the Great was a Roman emperor who played a very important role in history. He was born in 272 AD in Naissus and grew up in a military environment, as his father was a high-ranking official. From a young age he was involved in the army and quickly distinguished himself. After his father’s death, he rose to the position of emperor and gradually managed to gain control over the Roman Empire. One of the most well-known moments of his reign was his victory over Maxentius in 312, which gave him great power in the West. Shortly afterwards, in 313, he issued the Edict of Milan, through which Christians were allowed to worship God freely without persecution. He later became sole ruler of the entire empire and introduced major reforms in the state and administration. He founded a new capital, Constantinople, which changed the map of the empire. He also convened the Council of Nicaea in 325 to address theological disputes within the Church. Towards the end of his life, he was baptized as a Christian and died in 337. The Church commemorates him together with his mother Saint Helen on May 21.
Saint Helen, mother of St. Constantine, dedicated her life to charity and the spread of Christian teaching. When she made a religious tour of Syria Palaestina and Jerusalem, it is attributed finding the True Cross. It is almost always depicted with the son of St. Constantine and the True Cross among them. Saint Constantine and Saint Helen celebrate on May 21st.
