The Orthodox Christians on June 3 celebrate the feast of Saints Constantine and Helen, who are considered the protectors of the family. The persons named Constantine and Helen and those who mark the ‘hram’ (saint patron’s day) of the house come to church to pray for their families on this day, IPN reports.

Constantine the Great was Roman Emperor from 306 to 337. Well known for being the first Roman emperor to be converted to Christianity, Constantine issued the Edict of Milan in 313, which proclaimed tolerance of all religions throughout the empire. In 325, Emperor Constantine convened the first Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, which involved 318 priests. The Council agreed the first seven articles of the Creed, fixed the date of Easter (first Sunday after a full moon, after the vernal equinox) and formulated 20 canons on church discipline.

Emperor Constantine and his mother Helen initiated the works to look for the Saint Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. The Cross was found on the Golgotha, after Emperor Constantine died, in 337.

Saint Helen is an important figure in the history of Christianity and the world due to her major influence on her son and her own contribution in placing Christianity at the heart of Western Civilization.

In Moldova, there are over 29,000 men called Constantine and more than 100,000 women named Elena (Helen). The name Constantine is of Latin origin and derives from the word ‘constant’ (firm). Helen from Greek is translated as ‘torch’, ‘holy fire’ or ‘bright sunlight”.