In This Sign Thou Shall Conquer - In Hoc Signo Vinces
St. Constantine, also known as Constantine the Great (c. 272 – 337 AD), was a Roman emperor who played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity and the transformation of the Roman Empire.
Key Historical Points:
Rise to Power: Born in present-day Serbia, Constantine was the son of the Roman officer Constantius Chlorus. He became emperor in 306 AD after his father's death and eventually consolidated power as the sole ruler of the Roman E... moreIn This Sign Thou Shall Conquer - In Hoc Signo Vinces
St. Constantine, also known as Constantine the Great (c. 272 – 337 AD), was a Roman emperor who played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity and the transformation of the Roman Empire.
Key Historical Points:
Rise to Power: Born in present-day Serbia, Constantine was the son of the Roman officer Constantius Chlorus. He became emperor in 306 AD after his father's death and eventually consolidated power as the sole ruler of the Roman Empire by 324 AD.
Conversion to Christianity: Before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 AD, Constantine reportedly had a vision of a Christian symbol (the Chi-Rho) and heard the words “In this sign, conquer.” After his victory, he attributed his success to the Christian God and began to favor Christianity.
Edict of Milan (313 AD): Alongside co-emperor Licinius, Constantine issued this edict granting religious tolerance throughout the empire, effectively ending the persecution of Christians.
Council of Nicaea (325 AD): Constantine convened this first ecumenical council to address divisions in Christianity, especially the Arian controversy. It led to the formulation of the Nicene Creed, a foundational statement of Christian faith.
Founding of Constantinople: In 330 AD, he established a new eastern capital at Byzantium, renamed Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). It became a major center of Christianity and imperial power for centuries.
Death and Sainthood: Constantine was baptized shortly before his death in 337 AD. He is venerated as a saint in Eastern Christianity (especially the Orthodox Church) for his role in promoting Christianity.
Legacy:
St. Constantine is remembered as the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity and as a pivotal figure in the Christianization of Europe. His reign marked the transition of the Roman Empire toward a Christian state.
CAA Parker Pearsall
Priory of the Holy Trinity
Dieu Avec Nous