September 21, 2021
St. Helena

St. Helena

Biography
(c. 248–c. 328)
St. Helena, the mother of Constantine I, is believed to have discovered the cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified.

Synopsis

Born in Bithynia, Asia Minor (present-day Turkey), circa 248, St. Helena was married to Roman Emperor Constantius and had a son who would become Constantine I, also known as Constantine the Great, the first Roman emperor to become a Christian. St. Helena, who converted as well, oversaw the construction of churches on Holy Land sites. She would later be credited with discovering the cross upon which Jesus Christ is believed to have been crucified. St. Helena died circa 328 in Nicomedia (present-day Turkey).

READ NEXT

Fact Check

We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us!

MORE STORIES FROM BIOGRAPHY

Alexandra Feodorovna
Person

Alexandra Feodorovna

Alexandra Feodorovna was consort of the Russian Czar Nicholas II. Her rule precipitated the collapse of Russia's imperial government. She was murdered, along with her entire family, in 1918.

  • (1872–1918)
St-Thomas-9505608-1-402
Person

Saint Thomas

One of the Twelve Apostles, Saint Thomas or “Doubting Thomas” was initially skeptical about Jesus’ resurrection, but later proclaimed Jesus, “My Lord and My God.”

  • (d. c. 72)
Saint Clare of Assisi
Person

Saint Clare of Assisi

The founder of the Order of Poor Ladies, Saint Clare of Assisi was an Italian saint and one of the first followers of Saint Francis of Assisi.

  • (1194–1253)
Saint Matthew
Person

Saint Matthew

According to the Bible, Saint Matthew was one of Jesus's 12 apostles and the first author of the New Testament.

Saint Francis Xavier
Person

Saint Francis Xavier

The patron saint of missionaries and one of the founders of the Jesuit order, Saint Francis Xavier sought religious converts throughout Asia during the 1500s.

  • (1506–1552)
St-Joseph-9358199-1-402
Person

Saint Joseph

First appearing in the gospels of Matthew and Luke, Saint Joseph was the earthly father of Jesus Christ and the husband of the Virgin Mary.

  • (d. c. 1)
Sir-Thomas-More-9414278-1-402
Person

Thomas More

Thomas More is known for his 1516 book 'Utopia' and for his untimely death in 1535, after refusing to acknowledge King Henry VIII as head of the Church of England.

  • (1478–1535)
Saint Thomas Aquinas
Person

Saint Thomas Aquinas

Italian Dominican theologian Saint Thomas Aquinas was one of the most influential medieval thinkers of Scholasticism and the father of the Thomistic school of theology.

  • (c. 1225–1274)
Helena-Rubinstein-9466271-1-402
Person

Helena Rubinstein

Helena Rubinstein was a Polish entrepreneur best known for her global cosmetics empire.

  • (1872–1965)