After these questions had been decided, the emperor directed his attention to building a great church at Jerusalem, on the spot where it was supposed the Holy Sepulchre had been discovered. The old cave was cleared of rubbish, and the most magnificent church in the world erected over it.
Helena Augusta,[1] Constantine's aged mother, visited Palestine and built a church at Bethlehem, and another on the Mount of Olives. She gave many presents to the poor, released prisoners, did many acts of kindness, mingling with the ordinary worshippers in modest attire, and exhibited a true Christian spirit. She died in her eightieth year, in presence of the emperor. Her likeness was impressed on golden coins.
Now, at last, Constantine began to abolish idolatry at Constantinople, and to build churches there and in Nicomedia, &c. At his command the heathen temples and images were everywhere destroyed. In all his orders respecting church affairs, he acted like an ancient pope. Heresies were cursed and condemned, and heretics deprived of their right of holding meetings, and their houses of prayer were bestowed on the Catholic Church. Their books he ordered to be sought for and destroyed.
Constantine had his likeness represented on golden coins, with the eyes uplifted, in the attitude of prayer.
And our present legal institution of Sunday was
- ↑ Augusta was her title, probably bestowed by Constantine. Maximian, when he made Constantius-Chlorus "Cæsar," required him to divorce Helena, and marry his wife's daughter, Theodora. At this time, Constantine was eighteen years old. Helena, while in Palestine, discovered the Holy Sepulchre and the true cross, and superintended the building of the great church at Jerusalem, over the Holy Sepulchre, as well as others in the Holy Land.
