
Saint Helena (c. 248 – c. 330 AD) is the mother of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. Born into humble circumstances, Helena rose to prominence following her son's ascent to the throne. Later in life, she became an ardent Christian and undertook a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Helena is traditionally credited with discovering the True Cross upon which Jesus was crucified, a feat that significantly bolstered Christian veneration sites in Jerusalem. For her piety and contributions to Christianity, Helena was canonized, and she remains a revered figure in Christian traditions, especially within the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.