Sts. Constantine and Helen, the God-crowned and Equals-to-the-Apostles - Commemorated on May 21st
Kathisma I in the Third Tone
You
became a new David in manner. * You received the oil of the kingdom, *
as an honor from heaven, upon your head. * The Lord and Logos
transcending all essences * anointed you with the Spirit, O glorious
one. * Therefore you received the scepter to rule, as one most wise. *
And you entreat that we obtain the great mercy.
Kathisma II in the Plagal of the Second Tone
The
Maker of the sun and all creation was led once to the Cross. And now to
himself He leads you, the shining star, by stars from heaven. And to
you first He bestowed imperial power. Therefore, O most pious emperor
Constantine, we extol you and your mother Helen the godly‐minded.
Idiomelon following the 50th Psalm in the Second Tone
The
memorial of Constantine the pious, like perfume that is poured out, has
arisen today. He longed for Christ and therefore held the idols in
contempt. On earth he erected a temple to the One who was crucified for
us; while in heaven he received the crown of hope.
Prosomoia of the Praises in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone
Full
of wisdom, Constantine, rejoice! * The well of Orthodox Faith, * that
has watered in every age * the entire universe * with its waters most
sweet, rejoice! * Glorious root, out of which has burgeoned forth * the
fruit that feeds the entire Church of Christ, * you are the pride and
joy * of the fathers; O rejoice! You are the first * of all Christian
emperors. * Rejoice, believersʹ joy!
He who rules over creation
all, * O all‐wise Ruler, foresaw * the obedience of your heart, * and
through reason captured you * when unreason was ruling you; * and He
illumined your thoughts and reasoning * with certain knowledge of
Orthodox belief; * glorious Constantine, * to the world He showed you as
a shining sun, * radiating brilliant beams * of godly words and deeds.
Full of wisdom, Helen,
praised by all, when you accepted the Lordʹs * saving teachings, like
chosen earth * you abundantly produced * many fruits of your virtuous
deeds. * And by displaying a holy way of life * for imitation, you
thereby feed our minds. * Therefore we celebrate * your divine memorial,
O royal Saint, * festively observing it today with heightened joy.
Doxastikon of the Praises in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The
King of kings and God, who adorns the worthy with abundant gifts,
caught you in His net, through the sign of the Cross, like He did to
Paul the glorious, O Constantine. He said to you, ʺIn this sign conquer
your enemies.ʺ Thus having sought Him, as did your godly‐minded mother,
and having found Him for whom you longed, you utterly defeated them. In
company with your mother, earnestly pray for Orthodox rulers,
and the Christ‐loving armed forces, and all of us who loyally observe
your memory, entreating Him who alone loves humanity, to deliver us from
all wrath.
