The Akathist to Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helen is a prayer that helps believers to address these two saints, who were renowned missionaries and defenders of the faith. Reading this akathist helps believers to receive protection, strength, and faith in their lives.
Condak 1
Chosen by the eternal King, the holy equal-to-the-apostles Constantine and Helen, on the universal veneration of the Life-giving and Saving Cross of the Lord, by which the salvation of the human race was accomplished, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb of God, nailed upon it, may all the righteous and sinners give thanks to you:
Rejoice, holy equal-to-the-apostles Constantine and Helen, having found the Lord’s Cross, the saving instrument.
Icos 1
The angelic host on earth beheld a great wonder – how the Holy Tree was found, preserved for many years in the earth, lifeless and without sense, now lifted up by the hands of the hierarchs, and the people, seeing this, fell to the ground, prostrate, and cried out with tears: “Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!” You, holy equal-to-the-apostles Constantine and Helen, were humbly glorified:
Rejoice, blessed mother, who exceedingly loved Christ;
Rejoice, blessed son, servant of the Heavenly King.
Rejoice, earthly angels and heavenly men;
Rejoice, builders of the mysteries of God.
Rejoice, for by you the heavens and the earth were spiritually rejoiced;
Rejoice, for you were glorified together with all the offspring of the earth.
Rejoice, worthy bearers of the name of Christ;
Rejoice, two great lights in the universe.
Rejoice, holy equal-to-the-apostles Constantine and Helen, having found the Lord’s Cross, the saving instrument.
Condak 2
Seeing the glorious Constantine in the battle with Maxentius at noon, the Cross shining with light in the sky, and the inscription “In this conquer”, he ordered all arms and helmets to be bound, that, with the help of the Cross, he might conquer the enemy to the end, and sing the victorious hymn to the crucified Christ:
Alleluia
Icos 2
Your mind, O Constantine, not yet enlightened by holy baptism, was enlightened by the Lord in a dream, teaching you to conquer the enemy with the sign of the Cross, and we, marveling at such a providence of God concerning you, cry out thus:
Rejoice, enlightened by the double vision of the Cross from above;
Rejoice, exalted above all earthly kings.
Rejoice, chosen from above for apostolic service;
Rejoice, conqueror of visible and invisible enemies.
Rejoice, who greatly glorified the Lord’s Cross;
Rejoice, who gave all power to the Church of Christ.
Rejoice, who humiliated the enemy of human salvation;
Rejoice, who crushed his head with the holy Cross.
Rejoice, holy equal-to-the-apostles Constantine and Helen, having found the Lord’s Cross, the saving instrument.
Condak 3
By the power of the Cross in battle, O wise Constantine, I have saved this city from its enemies, and my heart has been wounded by the love of the crucified Christ, Whom I reverence, Whom I worship, and Whom I do not forbid those who love Him from petitioning for the blessed hymn:
Alleluia
Icos 3
Having in your heart the sense of living Christian faith, great Constantine, you ordered that idols be overthrown and churches be built, where the assemblies of Angels and the likenesses of the righteous pray to their Creator. We, however, unworthy ones, praying for peace and a good answer from the fearful Judge Christ, call upon you:
Radiate, O first among Christian emperors;
Radiate, adorned with mercy and authority.
Radiate, clothed with love and righteousness;
Radiate, delivered from the allurements of the enemy.
Radiate, guardians of the church’s laws;
Radiate, lovers of virginity and chastity.
Radiate, having abolished pagan temples on earth;
Radiate, having established the celebration of the Resurrection day.
Radiate, O holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helena, having found the Lord’s Cross, the saving instrument.
Condak 4
The turbulent streams of Christian blood, O holy Constantine, ceased by your command; those in prison received freedom, those hiding in caves and mountains returned, and the children of the Church, embracing each other in holy love, sang the hymn of praise to God:
Alleluia
Icos 4
Having heard the command of your martyrdom, O blessed Constantine, that the martyrs and sufferers of Christ should freely confess their faith, you were rejoiced and, with tears of joy, sang thus:
Radiate, O ornament of great Rome;
Radiate, deliverance of Christ’s prisoners.
Radiate, destruction of the pagan world;
Radiate, overthrow of idols and idols’ images.
Radiate, establishment of justice and laws;
Radiate, prohibition of magic and divination.
Radiate, caring for the Church as a loving mother;
Radiate, having prevented the crucifixion of those condemned to the cross.
Radiate, O holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helena, having found the Lord’s Cross, the saving instrument.
Condak 5
Having seen the Resurrection of Christ, people sang: Behold, the Cross, by which joy has come to the whole world. The instrument of victory, unknown to the world, by which the new David has conquered death, has been hidden from the worship of faithful people; only Angels guard the holy Cross, singing unceasingly:
Alleluia
Ikos 5
Beholding the venerable octogenarian, the wise and pious mother Helena, thy heart, O wondrous Emperor Constantine, was filled with the desire to glorify the Holy Tree. She herself, with diligence, undertook the labors, that she might reveal the treasure for the veneration of all tongues, those who call upon thee with love:
Rejoice, O holy equal-to-the-apostles Constantine and Helena, wise rulers;
Rejoice, O blessed pair, beloved by God.
Rejoice, O burning with love for Him like the Seraphim;
Rejoice, O apostolic zeal, having served as apostles.
Rejoice, O diligence of yours, like women of the world;
Rejoice, O renowned from all earthly-born for your deeds.
Rejoice, O angels rejoice with you in heaven;
Rejoice, O men, who extol you on earth.
Rejoice, O holy equal-to-the-apostles Constantine and Helena, having found the Lord’s Cross, the saving instrument.
Kondak 6
The preacher of the mystery, where the revered Tree was, was a certain Judas, who did not wish to indicate this place, on account of which he was tormented by hunger in the depths of a well, by the command of the holy Queen Helena, to whom the Holy Spirit revealed, that she might employ every effort for the search of the Lord’s Cross for the joy of the Orthodox Christians, singing to God:
All glory to God
Ikos 6
A ray of the divine light shone in the heart of Judas, who was still unyielding to the supplications and exhortations of the wise and pious Queen Helena. And he, opening his mouth, spoke: “Near Golgotha, in the temple of Venus, you will find the Cross of your Christ.” From that time, the search began, many labors were undertaken, but the treasure was not found, and they were exhausted. But when they sensed the great fragrance from the depths of the earth, they intensified their labors and found three crosses. Then the faithful people will extol you with tears:
Rejoice, O diligent seekers of the revered Tree;
Rejoice, O apostolic zeal, unceasing continuers;
Rejoice, O triumph of the Orthodox faith, revealed;
Rejoice, O people, venerating the Lord’s Cross, greatly rejoicing.
Rejoice, O air, made life-giving by the sign;
Rejoice, O, having left for men a memory eternal by the finding of the Cross.
Rejoice, O, having brought joy to the whole world without end.
Rejoice, O holy equal-to-the-apostles Constantine and Helena, having found the Lord’s Cross, the saving instrument.
Canon 7
Although the Cross, on which the Holy Sacrifice was offered, was carefully venerated, let no one render honor to the Cross other than the blessed Patriarch Macarius, who ordered the Crosses to be placed upon the sick and the dying, and those who were thus anointed were healed. Then, the people, beholding the miracle, fell to the ground in adoration, singing to the Life-giving Cross, the conqueror of death and hell:
Alleluia
Hymn 7
The wise Queen Helena built a new Christian church on Golgotha for the universal veneration of the Life-giving Cross of the Lord, and countless people besought the blessed Patriarch Macarius, that they might be granted to behold the Lord’s Cross. He, filled with humility, raised the Cross, consecrated by the holy synod, aloft, that all might see it; and, beholding this, the nations and peoples exclaimed with reverence and joy:
Rejoice, O most blessed Tree, by which the first-created pair were saved;
Rejoice, O holy Tree, by which the prisoners of hell were set free.
Rejoice, O holy Tree, guarded by archangels and angels;
Rejoice, O holy Tree, foreseen by prophets who spoke the word of God.
Rejoice, O holy Tree, the joy of the righteous and the holy;
Rejoice, O holy Tree, the hope and salvation of repentant sinners.
Rejoice, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree, O holy Tree
Condak 9
Having rejected every heretical teaching, the wise and God-fearing fathers and teachers, gathered together at your command, O Emperor Constantine, at the First Ecumenical Council, drove out Arius and his accomplices, and as thunder resounds in all corners, they sang:
Alleluia
Icos 9
The virtuous and God-bearing fathers, holy bishops and teachers, who gathered at the Council of Nicaea, Nicholas of Myra, Spiridon of Trimythous, Paphnutius of Phive, Paul of Neocaesarea, Athanasius of Alexandria, and the other confessors of Christ, who, having been enlightened from above, formulated the Symbol of Faith and established the One Holy Trinity for the entire Church, offering a hymn of thanksgiving to the Most High God and their fellow-servant, they cry out:
Rejoice, worthy son of your mother, the God-fearing Helen;
Rejoice, imitating her in humility beyond measure.
Rejoice, O King, surpassing the wisdom of Solomon;
Rejoice, possessing the faith of your ancestor Abraham.
Rejoice, O High Architect of laws and authority;
Rejoice, new Apostle of the great city of Constantinople.
Rejoice, O Merciful and Gentle Ruler;
Rejoice, wise President of the First Council of Nicaea.
Rejoice, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helen, who found the Cross of the Lord, the saving instrument.
Condak 10
You did not hinder those striving in the asceticism of virginity from being saved, O great Constantine, so that the pure of heart may offer prayers to the One God for the peace of the entire world, and, having renounced worldly speech, they sing like angels:
Alleluia
Icos 10
The Most Holy Theotokos, Lady of Heaven and Earth, became a wall, a protection, and a defense for you in all things. She whom you entrusted with your new city on the shores of the Bosphorus, so that all people, fortified by her merciful intercession, remembering your faith and deeds, O victorious Constantine, may invoke you with gratitude:
Rejoice, O One who consecrated the new capital of Byzantium;
Rejoice, O One who entrusted yourself to the intercession and protection of the Mother of God.
Rejoice, O One who built the Temple of God in her name;
Rejoice, O One who glorified God in fervent prayer within it.
Rejoice, O One who multiplied your talents as a wise servant;
Rejoice, O One who surrendered your will to the will of God.
Rejoice, O Ornament of the Holy Churches;
Rejoice, O One who enlightened the pastors of the Church of Christ.
Rejoice, holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helen, who found the Cross of the Lord, the saving instrument.
Condak 11
Offering hymns and fervent prayers in your temple, O holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Emperor Constantine and Empress Helena, we beseech you with tears: vouchsafe to stretch forth your blessed hands, with which you received the Holy Cross, and entreat the Lord crucified upon it, that we may incessantly call upon Him in repentance:
All-hail
Icos 11
Your radiant and joyful demise, O holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Emperor Constantine and Empress Helena, you who hold the victorious banner in your arms, thereby show that each one should take up his cross and, walking in humility the earthly path, may be granted an untimely demise and partake of the Divine Mysteries, invoking you with tears:
Rejoice, for you sing to Him with the choirs of angels the hymn of the Trinity;
Rejoice, for you stand before Him with the assembly of the Apostles.
Rejoice, for you see the heavenly settlements with all the saints;
Rejoice, for you are benefactors of the poor and the wretched.
Rejoice, for you are swift liberators from bondage and captivity;
Rejoice, for you are stern punishers of those who do not observe the feast.
Rejoice, O all who commemorate your memory before the Lord;
Rejoice, O holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Emperor Constantine and Empress Helena, who have obtained the Lord’s Cross, the saving weapon.
Condak 12
Grant peace, tranquility, to those who seek refuge in your intercession, O blessed ones of God, preserve our homeland from enemies who surround us and from internecine strife, that we may attain the mercy of God through your prayers, invoking the Lord Christ with all the saints:
All-hail
Icos 12
Singing and extolling you, O holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Emperor Constantine and Empress Helena, we celebrate your holy memory and beseech you: do not forget us, sinners, who commemorate your labors and exploits, that all of us may invoke you with faith and love:
Rejoice, O protectors of this city and temple;
Rejoice, O wise teachers of the Church.
Rejoice, O radiant beacons in the darkness of error;
Rejoice, O fervent intercessors before God for our homeland.
Rejoice, for you heal the sick, the blind, and the deaf;
Rejoice, for you deliver from unexpected death.
Rejoice, for you terrify heretics and blasphemers with the fear of God’s justice;
Rejoice, for you obtain forgiveness for sinners at the Throne of God.
Rejoice, O holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Emperor Constantine and Empress Helena, who have obtained the Lord’s Cross, the saving weapon.
Condak 13
Oh, most wise and great emperors, Constantine and Helen, accept this humble prayer of ours and the praise we offer to you. Deliver those who venerate your holy memory from sinful passions and eternal condemnation, that through your intercession we may be able to worship the Life-giving Tree of the Lord’s Cross until the end of our days and there, where the eternal light shines, we may entreat in the glory of the Cross:
Alleluia
This condak is repeated three times.
This condak is repeated three times.
This condak is repeated three times.
[We then repeat the first ikos and condak:]
Ikos 1
The heavenly council on earth beheld a great wonder, how the Holy Tree was found, preserved for many years in the earth, lifeless and without sensation, and now lifted up by the hands of the bishops, the people who saw this fell to the ground, weeping and crying out: “Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!” You, holy equal-to-the-apostles Constantine and Helen, were humbly glorified:
Rejoice, blessed mother, who exceedingly loved Christ;
Rejoice, blessed son, servant of the Heavenly King.
Rejoice, earthly angels and heavenly men;
Rejoice, builders of the divine mysteries.
Rejoice, for heaven and earth have been spiritually rejoiced by you;
Rejoice, for you have been glorified by all the earthly-born;
Rejoice, worthy bearers of the name of Christ;
Rejoice, two great lights in the universe.
Rejoice, holy equal-to-the-apostles Constantine and Helen, who found the Lord’s Cross, the saving instrument.
Condak 1
Chosen before the ages by the eternal King, holy equal-to-the-apostles Constantine and Helen, on the universal elevation of the Life-giving and Saving Cross of the Lord, by which the salvation of the human race was accomplished, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb of God, nailed to it, all righteous and sinful people give thanks to you:
Rejoice, holy equal-to-the-apostles Constantine and Helen, who found the Lord’s Cross, the saving instrument.
Molitva 1
O most wonderful and all-honorable emperors, holy equal-to-the-apostles Constantine and Helen! To you, our warm intercessors, we offer our unworthy prayers, for you have great boldness before the Lord. Ask from Him peace for the Church and all the world’s prosperity, wisdom for the ruler, care for the shepherd, humility for the flock, desired rest for the elder, strength for the man, beauty for the woman, chastity for the virgin, obedience for the children, Christian upbringing for the infant, healing for the sick, reconciliation for the quarrelsome, patience for the wronged, fear of God for the wrongdoer. May those who come to this church and pray within it receive holy blessing, and may all receive according to their request something useful. May we praise and hymn the Benefactor of all, God, glorified in the Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.