May 21 - Sts. Constantine and Helen (Part III)
In July of 315 A.D., Rome celebrated the Decennalia, the tenth anniversary of Constantine since he had been proclaimed Augustus in Eboracum in the British Isles. He had, during the last ten years, lived in Mediolanum, August Treverorum, Arelate, and Sirmium. Constantine went to Rome and accepted all of the honors bestowed upon him, with one important exception. He refused to make the traditional sacrifices to the pagan gods.
May 21 - Sts. Constantine and Helen (Part II)
Constantius died on the 25th day of July, in the year 306 A.D., at the age of fifty-five. Eusebius the Church Historian tells us that Constantine was forthwith appointed by Constantius, who thereupon breathed his last. He reposed on the imperial couch in the royal palace, giving thanks to God in all things. He was surrounded by a devoted circle of his loving sons and daughters.
May 21 - Sts. Constantine and Helen
Constantine the Great and ever-memorable first emperors of the Christians, the Byzantine autocrat, and builder of Constantinople, was born at Naissus, present-day Nis of Dardania in the area that now belongs in today's Serbia and Croatia, 274 A.D.
May 19 - Commemoration of the Holy Hieromartyr Patrick, Akakios, Menander, and Polyaenos the Presbyter
Patrick (Patrikios), the sacred hieromartyr, and his companions--the holy Martyr Akakios, Menander, and Polyaenos--were accounted worthy of the crown martyrdom at Prousa of Asia Minor during the rule of Julian the consular governor.
Fifth Sunday of Pascha - Sunday of the Samaritan Woman (Part II)
"The woman saith unto Him: 'I know that Messiah cometh, which is called Christ; when He is come, He will tell us all things.' Jesus saith unto her: "I that speaks unto thee am He..."