About Saint Helena:
Saint Helena, also known as Helena of Constantinople or Flavia Julia Helena (c. 246/248–330 A.D.), was the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity. Born in Drepanum (later renamed Helenopolis) in Bithynia, Asia Minor, she came from humble origins, possibly working as a stable-maid or innkeeper.
Despite her rather humble background, Helena was married to (or in a common-law relationship with) Constantius Chlorus, a Roman officer who later became Caesar. They had one son, Constantine, born around 272 A.D. in Naissus (modern Niš, Serbia). Constantius, now co-regent of the west, divorced Helena around 289 A.D. to marry Theodora for political reasons.
Helena lived in relative obscurity until her son’s rise to power. Constantine was forever loyal to his mother, whom he loved very much. As he grew and became a member of the inner circle, he never left Helena’s side.
Following the death of Constantius in 308 A.D., Constantine became Emperor and summoned his mother back into inner circle and the imperial court. Constantine honored her as Augusta in 324 A.D. (In the context of ancient Rome, “Augusta” was a title equivalent to the male title “Augustus”, and was given to women of the imperial family, primarily empresses and other close female relatives of the emperor. It signified high status, prestige, and a connection to the emperor, sometimes even suggesting a quasi-divine status). The title was bestowed, not automatically given, and was a mark of honor and power within the Roman Empire. Granting Helena this title gave her significant influence and, perhaps more importantly in this case, access to the imperial treasury.
Constantine ordered all to honor his mother. He even had coins minted, bearing her image. You can still buy these coins today at coin dealers or online sites such as e-bay, and own a bit of history.
Through her son’s influence, Helena began to embrace Christianity. With her title of Augusta Imperatrix, Helena was given free reign over the imperial treasury. She was tasked with locating relics of Christian tradition.
Helena is best known for her pilgrimage to the Holy Land (326–328 AD), where she sought relics of Christ. Tradition credits her with discovering the True Cross, the cross on which Jesus was crucified, after excavating a site in Jerusalem under a temple of Venus. Helena had many churches constructed, including the one at the site of Jesus Christ’s birth – the Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem and another at the site of his ascension – Church of Eleona on the Mount of Olives.
During this time Jerusalem was still being rebuilt after Titus’ destruction. Around the year 130, Emperor Hadrian had a temple built over the site of Jesus’ death. This temple was believed to be dedicated to Venus. Helena had this temple destroyed and chose a site in this location to be excavated.
Theodoret of Cyrus, an influential theologian, wrote that that during her search, Helena discovered relics of the True Cross as well as the nails of the crucifixion. She had one of the nails placed in Constantine’s helmet and one in the bridle of his horse.
Several of the relics believed to have been found by Saint Helena are now located in Cyprus. Among these are parts of Jesus’ tunic, pieces of the holy cross, and pieces of the rope used to tie Jesus to the cross. When Helena returned to Rome from Jerusalem in 327, she brought parts of the True Cross back with her. She stored these in her palace’s chapel. They can still be seen to this day, though her palace has been converted to the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem.
Saint Helena died around 330AD with her son by her side. She was then buried here in the Mausoleum of Helena outside of Rome.
The Feast of Saint Helena is celebrated on August 18th in the Roman Catholic Church and some Anglican and Lutheran churches. In the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches, her feast day is on May 21st, as the “Feast of the Holy Great Sovereigns Constantine and Helen, Equal to the Apostles” .
About the Mausoleum of Saint Helena:
The Mausoleum of Helena was built by the Roman emperor Constantine I between 326 and 330; originally as a tomb for himself: made of red porphyry, it is decorated with scenes of victorious Roman cavalry and captured barbarians,
The tomb was later assigned to Helena upon her death 330 A.D. (Constantine was actually buried at Constantinople in his church of the Apostles, whose memorials, six on each side, flanked his tomb).
The mausoleum also included an altar for masses in Helena’s memory.
Traveling to the Mausoleum of Saint Helena in Rome:
Today, the mausoleum is part of the Catacombs of Marcellinus and Peter. located on the Via Casilina, corresponding to the 3rd mile of the ancient Via Labicana. Access to the mausoleum and the catacombs is to the west of the church of Santi Marcellino e Pietro ad Duas Lauros.
Address: Via Casilina, 641, 00177 Roma RM, Italy
Tel: +39 339 652 8887