Saint Constantine became a Christian through the earnest Prayers of his Holy mother Saint Helena. Further confirming his faith he had a vision one day of the Precious Cross of Christ in the sky with the inscription “In This Sign Conquer”. Saint Constantine then arranged for all his soldiers to put the Sign of the Cross onto their shields, he made a banner with Christ’s initials on it, and was then victorious in battle.
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Prayers
A Chant: You gave to our Emperor Your precious Cross as the mightiest plate of armour, O Christ our God, by which he has reigned on earth in a righteous manner, shining with the True Faith. You made him worthy to receive the rule of Heaven, in Your own tender love. Almighty Jesus, Saviour of our Souls, with him we all Glorify Your benevolent plan, by which You have saved the entire world.
A Chant: You received the advantages of abundant gifts from God, O mightiest King Constantine the Great, and you distinguished yourself in them. Through Baptism, you were illumined by the rays of the All-Holy Spirit. You became invincible among emperors; and to your Creator you conferred, as a donation, the Empire and the God-fearing Ruling City. Therefore never cease entreating Christ our God, to whom you speak with confidence, that He grant forgiveness of sins and great mercy, to all who observe your memory.
A Chant: As a flash of lightning, as a comet from the Far West, your course was diverted from unbelief to faith in the true God, and you were led to sanctify your people and your City. And you saw the sign of the Cross in the sky, and from there you heard, “Hereby conquer your enemies.” Thus when you received the knowledge of the Spirit, and with oil were anointed as Priest and King, you reinforced the Church of Christ our God, O father of Orthodox Emperors. Your coffin pours out healings. Constantine, the peer of the Apostles, earnestly intercede on behalf of our Souls.
A Chant: Your Apostle among the Rulers, Saint Constantine, who once beheld in the sky the image of Your Cross, and who like Paul received his calling not from man, once entrusted the Ruling City into Your hand. We entreat You to restore it in peace forever, at the intercession of the Theotokos, O only benevolent Lord.
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