St. Helena

I wanted to do a post for a friend who has been much on my mind and heart lately. There is no St. Elaine, but the name derives from the name Helena.

Helena was born in the mid third century, about 248-250. Little is known of her early life. She was the wife (or perhaps concubine) of the Roman Emperor Constantius - it is said that when they met they were wearing identical silver bracelets and Constantius thought she was his soulmate sent by God. She gave birth to the future Emperor, Constantine, around 270-272. Her conversion to Christianity followed her son's elevation to Emperor in 306.

Constantine appointed his mother as Augusta Imperatrix, and gave her unlimited access to the imperial treasury. In 326-28, Helena traveled to Palestine to locate the relics of Judeo-Christian tradition. During this pilgrimage, Helena is said to have been responsible for the construction or beautification of the Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, and the Church of Eleona on the Mount of Olives, sites of Christ's birth and ascension, respectively.

Helena is probably most well known for the discovery of the true cross of Christ. In the second century, Emperor Hadrian had had a pagan temple built over the site of Jesus' tomb near Calvary. The Empress had the temple torn down and excavated the site. She found three crosses buried there. She had a sick woman brought to the site. When the woman touched the first two crosses, nothing happened. When she touched the third, she was healed - a sign that this was the true cross.

Helena returned to Rome with a large piece of the cross and other relics she had discovered. She died in 330 with her son by her side. She is another Saint who is venerated by many Christian denominations with her feast celebrated on 18 August (Roman Catholic Church); 21 May (Orthodox, Anglican, and most Lutheran Churches); 19 May (some Lutheran Churches); 9 Pashons (Coptic Orthodox Church).