What can we learn about the life of St. Constantine?

[Not David]

Unfortunately, a lot of pseudo-history puts him as the Creator of "Catholicism" (even as Pope) and the one who put paganism and persecuted the "True Christians"...

But what can we learn about the real Constantine? Why is he a saint? Is he excused for deciding to convert at the last minute? Can we understand him for the political issues he had?

Please, share.

 

[JackRT]

My understanding of Constantine was as a Roman Emperor who ruled traditionally. He was brutal when he needed to be. I understand that he had his wife boiled to death. Personally I find his relationship with Christianity to be very VERY questionable.

 

[ArmyMatt]

Eusebius writes on his life I believe, as well as the Synaxarion.

 

[Not David]

My understanding of Constantine was as a Roman Emperor who ruled traditionally. He was brutal when he needed to be. I understand that he had his wife boiled to death. Personally I find his relationship with Christianity to be very VERY questionable.

Didn't she put Constantine's first son to death?

 

[☦Marius☦]

Supposedly his wife and older son were having a sexual relationship and potentially plotting against him so Constantine had them executed by assassination. I believe she was killed in an overheated bath and the son was poisoned.

Brutal, but it was a different time and political revolts cost much blood. Even imprisoned relatives can pose a threat. Constantine had legalized a very controversial religion and many pagans would likely have rallied against him if given a candidate.

 

[ArmyMatt]

yes, St Constantine (like many saints) committed some serious sins. that doesn't mean he is any less of a saint of the Church.

 

[Not David]

Supposedly his wife and older son were having a sexual relationship and potentially plotting against him so Constantine had them executed by assassination. I believe she was killed in an overheated bath and the son was poisoned.

Brutal, but it was a different time and political revolts cost much blood. Even imprisoned relatives can pose a threat. Constantine had legalized a very controversial religion and many pagans would likely have rallied against him if given a candidate.

I watched a video and a priest said that Fausta was jealous of Crispus since he was the first son of Emperor Constantine so she said he tried to abuse her, they put him in jail and before the Emperor could investigate further, she made him be executed, the Emperor discovered that and put her to death by boiling.

 

[Not David]

yes, St Constantine (like many saints) committed some serious sins. that doesn't mean he is any less of a saint of the Church.

Which serious sins Father?

 

[ArmyMatt]

Which serious sins Father?

he killed people and was definitely a politician.

 

[Jonaitis]

Unfortunately, a lot of pseudo-history puts him as the Creator of "Catholicism" (even as Pope) and the one who put paganism and persecuted the "True Christians"...

But what can we learn about the real Constantine? Why is he a saint? Is he excused for deciding to convert at the last minute? Can we understand him for the political issues he had?

Please, share.

He was the one who changed the Sabbath to 'Sunday,' according to some critics. *cough* SDA *cough*

 

[Not David]

he killed people and was definitely a politician.

So a Christian cannot be a politician? Should I postpone my baptism like he did?

 

[ArmyMatt]

no, an Orthodox Christian can be a politician. St Constantine just had a knack for political survival.

and no, don't postpone your reception into the Church.

 

[Not David]

no, an Orthodox Christian can be a politician. St Constantine just had a knack for political survival.

and no, don't postpone your reception into the Church.

That's something I worry about Father Matt, what if I don't get to be a good representative of the faith and they blame Orthodoxy for what I do?

 

[ArmyMatt]

That's something I worry about Father Matt, what if I don't get to be a good representative of the faith and they blame Orthodoxy for what I do?

be watchful and pray

 

[☦Marius☦]

That's something I worry about Father Matt, what if I don't get to be a good representative of the faith and they blame Orthodoxy for what I do?

That should be the concern of every Christian. By our fruits we are revealed, no matter what Church we attend. Sometimes I feel we Orthodox care more about making Orthodoxy look superior by our "humility" then genuinely serving Christ. But perhaps I am overthinking. I have definitely seen a difference between most Orthodox in that respect then with the rest of Christianity. Maybe it is my own pride that taints others humility in my own mind?

 

[Not David]

be watchful and pray

If not, I will have to be like some Holy Roman Emperors and getting excommunicated a dozen times.

 

[prodromos]

That's something I worry about Father Matt, what if I don't get to be a good representative of the faith and they blame Orthodoxy for what I do?

Don't worry, you have plenty of company in the Church.
Its like the people who claim the Church is full of hypocrites. They are wrong. I can always see a few empty seats.

 

[ArmyMatt]

If not, I will have to be like some Holy Roman Emperors and getting excommunicated a dozen times.

not necessarily, just go day by day

 

[Presbyterian Continuist]

My reading of the history shows that although he professed Christianity through a vision of the cross on the battlefield, he remained a pagan in his heart and continued his pagan worship, and might or might not have been converted to Christ on his death bed. It amuses me to think that some religious systems canonize someone who is pagan, similar to a particular religious organisation that canonized Pilate, referring him as St. Pontius Pilate! And yet he was never a Christian and ended up killing himself when he was exiled for his misdemeanors.

 

[prodromos]

Constantine only favoured Christianity over pagan religions inasmuch as he ended the persecution of the Church by making it legal, and funded the construction of several new churches, and made the day on which Christians primarily worshipped an official day of rest,
all the actions of a man who is obviously pagan at heart.

Constantine only funded the travel and accommodation of over 200 bishops and their entourage from all over the empire for over 3 months, as well as providing the venue for the 1st Ecumenical council.

Seems pretty pagan to me.