WHAT ROLE DID CONSTANTINE PLAY IN RELIGION?
St. Czar Constantine or Constantine the Great was born in 275 A.D. and became emperor of the Roman Empire in 306. After having a vision in 312 that the Roman Empire was being overcome by a new culture, he became a Christian and worshiped what he called 'the one true God'.
The evening before his impending battle with the much stronger army of Maxentius, while crossing the Italian Alps on horseback, he and his troops encountered a cross of light in the heavens, bearing the inscription, "En touto nica" (conquer by this). That night the Savior appeared to him in a dream with the same sign and commanded him to use it as his battle insignia. His troops used the banner with a cross, which became known as the Labrum. This was the first known banner to be used in battle which bore a cross.
A monogram of Christ was worn on Constantine's helmet and on the shields of the soldiers. The troops, encouraged by this, defeated Maxentius (who drowned in the Tiber) on October 29, 312. As he triumphantly entered Rome, Constantine openly confessed his belief in the Supreme God.
Constantine'S Empire was in turmoil because of the many different religious beliefs. He realized the only way to unite the people was to recognize one religion and to use it as a center for government guidance. In 313, he promulgated the famous Edict of Milan, acknowledging the Christian faith, giving it rights to public services. This brought about a division of secular and church authorities but made Christianity the number one religion of the land and caused the eventual destruction of most rival sects.
The architecture of Nis, birthplace of Constantine and many archeological sites, bear witness to the reflection of the organization of Christianity there. The cultural and artistic life of Nis was developed in the spirit of Christianity.
The first Ecumenical Council was convened at Nicaea in 325 in the spirit of harmony, to solve disputes in the church.
In 330, Constantine transferred the capital of his empire from Rome to Byzantium Constantinople.
Back to K T's Corner
