About the life of Blessed Basileus Constantine

4 books of Eusebius of Caesarea “On the Life of the Blessed Basileus Constantine” (337) represent praise for the personality and reign of Emperor Constantine. In its style, the work is similar to a hagiography or panegyric and is a monument of the era, as well as a source of rare information (texts of imperial edicts, a detailed account of the appearance of the Holy Cross to Emperor Constantine, transmitted, according to Eusebius, by the sovereign himself, etc.). Eusebius expresses his view of the Christian emperor as a sacred figure and of the Christian empire as a semblance of the Kingdom of God on earth. In his opinion, in the person of Emperor Constantine, the Lord completes the work of uniting the Church of Christ and the empire, begun during the times of Emperor Augustus and Christ. Eusebius believed that the kingdom extended throughout the entire cosmos, and its head was the Great King, God the Father; then comes the Logos, “the head of the heavenly armies,” from whom the emperor, who has a special, “royal” soul, receives power. The author tries to explain the theory of imperial power, not only drawing a parallel between the power of the emperor and the power of Christ, but also reduces the idea of ​​monarchy to the relationship between the Persons of the Holy Trinity. Thus, the emperor is the “vicar of God” on earth, possessing full political and religious power. Emperor Constantine is the “bishop of external affairs” of the Church, protecting and defending it, and the “co-servant” of the bishops. Having spoken about how Constantine alleviated the difficult financial situation of Roman society, Eusebius presents as an undoubted fact that “the peoples of the universe, everywhere ruled as if by one helmsman and during the reign of the servant of God enjoying the benefits of citizenship, led a calm and serene life.” Eusebius, in a panegyric tone, also reveals many private aspects of Constantine’s activities in favor of the Church. He cites many of the laws of this emperor, issued in favor of the Christian Church, his decrees regarding the cessation of idolatry, and speaks of his concerns to eliminate any reasons for the emergence of disagreements between members of the church. Eusebius also mentioned that Constantine was very supportive of the bishops: “they shared meals with him... Wherever he went (Constantine), he took them with him.” *The title of the work in Greek is Εἰς τὸν βίον τοῦ μακαρίου Κωνσταντίνου βασιλέως. *The title of the work in Latin is Vita Constantini. Contents Book One Chapter 1. Preface about the death of Constantine Chapter 2. Another preface - about his royal sons Chapter 3. That God honors pious kings, and destroys tyrants Chapter 4. That God honored Constantine Chapter 5. That Constantine reigned autocratically for more than thirty years, and lived for more than sixty Chapter 6. That he was servant of God and conqueror of nations Chapter 7. Comparison of him with the Persian king Cyrus and Macedonian Alexander Chapter 8. That he conquered almost the entire universe Chapter 9. That he was the son of a pious basileus and left power to the royal sons Chapter 10. That the story about him is both necessary and spiritually beneficial Chapter 11. That Eusebius will talk only about godly deeds Constantine Chapter 12. That Constantine, like Moses, was brought up at the court of tyrants Chapter 13. That his father Constantius did not want to persecute Christians as was the case under Diocletian, Maximian Chapter 14. About how his father Constantius, having heard from Diocletian the reproach of poverty, filled his treasuries and then returned the money to the people who brought it Chapter 15. About the persecution raised by others Chapter 16. About how his father Constantius, pretending to be an idolater, rejected people who wanted to make sacrifices, and kept confessors of the Christian faith in his court Chapter 17. About his Christ-loving disposition Chapter 18. That, after the abdication of Diocletian and Maximian, Constantius became the first Augustus and was adorned with good fortune Chapter 19. About his son Constantine, when in his youth he lived with Diocletian before arriving in Palestine Chapter 20. The return of Constantine to his father, on the occasion of Diocletian’s intentions Chapter 21. The death of Constantius and the bequest of the kingdom to his son Constantan Chapter 22. How, when Constantius was carried out, the troops proclaimed Constantine Augustus Chapter 23. A brief mention of the death of the tyrants Chapter 24. That Constantine received royal power by the will of God Chapter 25. Victories of Constantine over the barbarians and the British Chapter 26. About how he decided to deliver Rome from Maxentius Chapter 27. About the fact that, admonished by the death of idolaters, he chose Christianity Chapter 28. About how during prayer he received a vision from God, that is, in the middle of the day he saw in the sky a cross made of light with an inscription commanding him to win Chapter 29. About how Christ appeared to him in a dream and commanded him to have a banner depicting a cross Chapter 30. Making such a sign of the cross Chapter 31. Description of the cross-shaped banner, which the Romans now call a banner Chapter 32. About how Constantine, being announced, read the Divine Scripture Chapter 33. About the fornication of Maxentius in Rome Chapter 34. About how the wife of the eparch, to preserve chastity, killed herself Chapter 35. Massacre of the Romans at the behest of Maxentius Chapter 36. Witchcraft of Maxentius and famine in Rome Chapter 37. Defeat of Maxentius’s troops in Italy Chapter 38. Death of Maxentius on the bridge of the Tiber River Chapter 39. Entry of Constantine into Rome Chapter 40. About his statue with a cross in his hands and the inscription Chapter 41. The joy of the regions and forgiveness granted by Constantine Chapter 42. Respect for bishops and the building of churches Chapter 43. About the benefits of Constantine to the poor Chapter 44. About how he was present at the councils of bishops Chapter 45. About how he was patient even in relation to the insane Chapter 46. His victories over the barbarians Chapter 47. The death of the plotter, Maximian and others whom God himself revealed to Constantine Chapter 48. Feast of the decade Constantine Chapter 49. About how much evil Licinius is Chapter 50. About how Licinius wanted to intrigue Constantine himself Chapter 51. Licinius’s intrigues against bishops and the prohibition of councils Chapter 52. Expulsion of Christians and confiscation of their property to the treasury Chapter 53. Commandment for women not to go to church with men Chapter 54. Commandment for those who do not make sacrifices not to serve in the army, and for prisoners in prison not to bring food Chapter 55. About the iniquities and covetousness of Licinius Chapter 56. That he finally decided to begin the persecution of Christians Chapter 57. That, humbled by fistula and worms, Maximian issued a decree in favor of Christians Chapter 58. That Maximin, who persecuted Christians, himself became a fugitive and was hiding in the clothes of a slave Chapter 59. About the fact that, having lost his sight due to illness, Maximian issued a decree in favor of Christians Book Two Chapter 1. The secret persecution of Licinius, who killed the bishops of Amasia Chapter 2. The destruction of churches and the murder of bishops Chapter 3. About how Constantine bowed to the side of Christians when persecution was being prepared Chapter 4. About the fact that Constantine was preparing for war by praying, and Licinius by telling fortunes Chapter 5. About what Licinius said about idols and about Christ, when he made a sacrifice in the grove Chapter 6. Ghosts of the troops of Constantine, supposedly passing through the cities of Licinius Chapter 7. That during the battle, where the symbol of the cross was shown, victory was won there Chapter 8. That fifty people were chosen to bear the cross Chapter 9. That one of the crusaders fled and was killed, and the other remained in the faith and escaped Chapter 10. Various battles and victories of Constantine Chapter 11. Flight and magic of Licinius Chapter 12. About how Constantine prayed in a tent (σκινη) and won Chapter 13. Humanity (of Constantine) towards captured soldiers Chapter 14. More about his prayers in a tent Chapter 15. The insidious friendship and idolatry of Licinius Chapter 16. About how Licinius exhorted his soldiers not to fight against the cross Chapter 17. Victory of Constantine Chapter 18. The death of Licinius and triumph over him Chapter 19. Celebrations and celebrations Chapter 20. About what laws Constantine issued regarding confessors of the faith Chapter 21. About what he also decreed regarding martyrs and church estates Chapter 22. About how he improved the condition of the mob Chapter 23. About the fact that he called God the author of good things, and about the lists of his decrees Chapter 24. Constantine’s law on piety to God and Christianity Chapter 25. An example from ancient times Chapter 26. About the persecuted and persecutors Chapter 27. About how persecution became the cause of disasters for opponents Chapter 28. About the fact that God is an instrument of goodness chose Constantine Chapter 29. Pious words of Constantine about God and praise to confessors Chapter 30. The law freeing those imprisoned, put on trial and deprived of property Chapter 31. About those exiled to the islands Chapter 32. About those sentenced to work in ore mines and public works Chapter 33. About confessors from a military rank Chapter 34. Release of free persons given to gyneceia, or slavery Chapter 35. On the inheritance of property that belonged to martyrs, confessors and those subjected to confiscation of property Chapter 36. That if they have no relatives, the church receives the inheritance, and that what they donated remains inviolable Chapter 37. On the return to the owners of their lands, gardens and houses, with the exception of the benefits received from this property Chapter 38. On how to issue fortresses to these items Chapter 39. On the return to the churches from the treasury of lands, gardens and houses Chapter 40. On the return to the churches of the tombs and places in which the martyrs died Chapter 41. On the return to the churches of things bought or received by them as gifts Chapter 42. Zealous exhortation to the veneration of God Chapter 43. On how the laws of Constantine were carried out in practice Chapter 44. About the fact that he elevated Christians to leaders, but if pagans were leaders, he forbade them to make sacrifices Chapter 45. About the laws that prohibited making sacrifices and ordered the building of churches Chapter 46. Epistle of Constantine to Eusebius and other bishops about the construction of churches, that is, with the help of rulers, to renew the old ones and create the most extensive ones Chapter 47. About what he wrote against idolatry Chapter 48. Epistle of Constantine to the regions regarding the error of the pagans. Speech on Virtue and Vice Chapter 49. About the father of the God-loving Constantine, and about the persecutors Diocletian and Maximinus Chapter 50. That because of the oracle of Apollo, when he could not prophesy in the presence of the righteous, persecution was raised Chapter 51. That Constantine, while still a young man, heard from a man who signed a decree regarding persecution, that righteous Christians Chapter 52. About what types of torture and executions were invented for Christians Chapter 53. About the fact that Christians were accepted by barbarians Chapter 54. About what kind of judgment befell those who, because of the oracle, became persecutors Chapter 55. Constantine’s praise to God, confession of the sign of the cross and prayer for churches and peoples Chapter 56. About the fact that he wants to be everyone Christians, but Chapter 57 does not force them to do so. Praise be to God for the Son who dedicated the erring Chapter 58. More praise to God for serving the world Chapter 59. Praise to God for always teaching good Chapter 60. At the end of the decree, an exhortation not to offend anyone Chapter 61. About how, regarding the thoughts of Arius, disputes arose in Alexandria Chapter 62. About the same thing, and about the Meletians Chapter 63. About how with one’s own Ambassador Constantine sent a letter (to the Alexandrians) about peace Chapter 64. Epistle of Constantine to Bishop Alexander and Presbyter Arius Chapter 65. That he usually cared for peace Chapter 66. That he reconciled the disputes that arose in Africa Chapter 67. That piety began in the East Chapter 68. That, distressed by discord, Constantine inspires peace Chapter 69. How the dispute between Alexander and Arius began, and that they should not have argued Chapter 70. An exhortation to unanimity Chapter 71. But regarding a few expressions, it was not necessary to go into a dispute about the same subject Chapter 72. That, harboring great sorrow in his soul, he was forced to shed tears, and, intending to go to the east, for this reason, abandoned his intention Chapter 73. About the fact that even after this letter the noise of debate continued Book Three Chapter 1. Comparison of the piety of Constantine with the wickedness of the persecutors Chapter 2. More about the piety of Constantine, who freely professed the sign of the cross Chapter 3. About his image, which showed a cross at the top and a disgraced dragon below Chapter 4. More about the disputes raised in Egypt by Arius Chapter 5. About the discrepancy regarding Easter Chapter 6. About how Constantine commanded to gather for the Council in Nicaea Chapter 7. About the Ecumenical Council, at which bishops from all nations gathered Chapter 8. About the fact that they gathered from different nations (similarly), as stated in the Acts of the Apostles Chapter 9. About the virtue and age of two hundred and fifty bishops Chapter 10. The Council in the palace of the basileus, where Constantine, having arrived, sat together with the bishops Chapter 11. Silence at the Council after the words spoken by Bishop Eusebius Chapter 12. Constantine’s speech to the Council on peace Chapter 13. How he persuaded dissenting bishops to agree on unanimity Chapter 14. The unanimous definition of the Council regarding the Faith and (celebration of) Easter Chapter 15. About how Constantine, on the occasion of his twentieth birthday, shared a meal with the bishops Chapter 16. Gifts to the bishops and letters to all Chapter 17. Epistle of Augustus Constantine to the Churches about the Council of Nicaea Chapter 18. His (message) about the agreement regarding the celebration of Easter and against the Jews Chapter 19. An exhortation to follow in this better than most of the Ecumene Chapter 20. An exhortation to obey the decrees of the Council Chapter 21. Advice to the returning bishops regarding unanimity Chapter 22. About how the basileus convinced some (verbally) and wrote to others, also about the distribution of money Chapter 23. About how he wrote to the Egyptians and persuaded them to peace Chapter 24. About how often he wrote to the bishops and people about spiritual subjects Chapter 25. About how he ordered to build prayer temple in Jerusalem on the sacred site of the resurrection of our Savior Chapter 26. About how the divine tomb was covered by the wicked with embankments and built with idols (ειδωλας απχρυψαν) Chapter 27. About how Constantine ordered the materials of the church to be scattered and the mounds torn down Chapter 28. The opening of the holiest tombs Chapter 29. About how the basileus wrote to the archons and Bishop Macarius about the construction of the church Chapter 30. Epistle of Constantine to Macarius about the construction of the church (ακο δομης) to the Savior Chapter 31. That this church should be built better than all other churches of the Ecumene in terms of the splendor of the walls, columns and marble Chapter 32. About how, regarding dignity vault, choice of artists and materials, Macarius consulted with the archons Chapter 33. That the built church of the Savior resembled the new Jerusalem foretold by the prophets Chapter 34. Description of the structure of the most holy tomb Chapter 35. Description of the courtyard (αιθρυ) and porticoes Chapter 36. Description of the walls, roofing, decorations and gilding of the church building Chapter 37. Description of the double porticos on both sides sides of the church and three gates on its eastern side Chapter 38. Description of the semicircle, twelve columns and urns Chapter 39. Description of the inner courtyard, porches and entrances Chapter 40. About the multitude of offerings Chapter 41. About the construction of churches in Bethlehem and on the Mount of Olives Chapter 42. That these churches were built by the mother of Constantine, Basilisa Elena, when she came there to worship Chapter 43. More about the Church of Bethlehem Chapter 44. About the generosity and charity of Helen Chapter 45. About the reverence with which Helen appeared in churches Chapter 46 Chapter 47. About how Constantine buried his mother and how much he respected her during her lifetime Chapter 48. About how he built churches in Constantinople in memory of the martyrs and destroyed everything idolatry Chapter 49. The sign of the cross in the palace and the image of Daniel at the sources Chapter 50. That he built churches in Nicomedia and other cities Chapter 51. That he ordered the construction of a church in Mavri Chapter 52. The letter of Constantine to Eusebius about Mavri Chapter 53. That here the Savior appeared to Abraham Chapter 54. The widespread destruction of churches and idols Chapter 55. Destruction of the church and the destruction of debauchery in the Phoenician Aphaca Chapter 56. Destruction of the church of Asclepius in Aegina Chapter 57. About how the Hellenes, having rejected idols, turned to the knowledge of God Chapter 58. About how, having destroyed the church of Aphrodite in the city of Heliopolis, Constantine was the first to build a church there Chapter 59. About the indignation that Eustathius instituted Chapter 60 in Antioch. The message of Constantine to the Antiochians that they should not take Eusebius away from Caesarea, but should elect another (bishop) Chapter 61. The message of Constantine to Eusebius, in which he praises him for renouncing the bishopric of Antioch Chapter 62. The message of Constantine to the Council that Eusebius should not be taken away from Caesarea Chapter 63. About how Constantine tried to eradicate heresies Chapter 64. Constantine’s decree against heretics Chapter 65. About the alienation of places where heretics gathered Chapter 66. About how many heretics turned to the universal Church when wicked books were found in their possession Book Four Chapter 1. About how Constantine honored many with gifts and advancement in dignity Chapter 2. Forgiveness of the fourth part of taxes Chapter 3. Equalization of burdensome taxes Chapter 4. The fact that he gave money from his own treasury to those who lost financial disputes Chapter 5. Conquest of the Scythians, defeated by the sign of the Cross of our Savior Chapter 6. Conquest of the Sauromatians, on the occasion of a slave uprising Chapter 7. Embassies from various barbarians here and gifts Chapter 8. About what Constantine wrote to the king of Persia about the Christians there, when the latter sent envoys to him Chapter 9. Constantine Augustus writes to Canopy, the king of Persia, and in his letter confesses God and Christ with the greatest reverence Chapter 10. Against idols and about the glorification of God Chapter 11. Against tyrants and persecutors, also about the captivity of Valerian Chapter 12. That he himself saw the fall of the persecutors and now he rejoices over the peace of Christians Chapter 13. A request to Sapor to love the Christians under his control Chapter 14. About how peace was granted to Christians through the zealous prayers of Constantine Chapter 15. About the fact that he depicted himself both on coins and in portraits as if praying Chapter 16. About the fact that he forbade by law the placing of his images in idol churches Chapter 17. Prayers during palace and reading the Divine Scriptures Chapter 18. Legislation - to honor Sunday and Friday Chapter 19. About how he ordered the pagan soldiers to pray on Sundays Chapter 20. The words of the prayer that Constantine gave to the soldiers Chapter 21. On the weapons of the soldiers are the signs of the Cross of the Savior Chapter 22. Zeal for prayer and honoring the holiday of Easter Chapter 23. About how he forbade idolatry, and honored martyrs and holidays Chapter 24. About the fact that he called himself, as it were, the bishop of external affairs Chapter 25. About the prohibition of sacrifices, initiations, gladiatorial combats and the former shameless festivities in honor of the Nile River Chapter 26. Correction of the law regarding the childless, also correction of the law on wills Chapter 27. That a Christian should not be in slavery to Jews, also legitimizing that the definitions of the councils should remain unchanged Chapter 28. Gifts to the churches, also the distribution of money to virgins and the poor Chapter 29. Written arguments and speeches of Constantine Chapter 30. About the fact that he showed the measure of a coffin to one covetous man, with the intention of shaming him Chapter 31. About the fact that he was blamed for excessive love of mankind Chapter 32. About the essay of Constantine, which he wrote for the assembly of saints Chapter 33. About the fact that he listened to Eusebius’ speech about the tombs of the Savior while standing Chapter 34. About what he wrote to Eusebius about Easter and divine books Chapter 35. Constantine writes to Eusebius and praises his word about Easter Chapter 36. Letter from Constantine to Eusebius about the copying of divine books Chapter 37. About how the divine books were written off Chapter 38. About how the trading pier of Gaza, for the sake of Christianity, was made a city and called Constantia Chapter 39. About the fact that in Phenicia one place was raised to the level of a city, and in other cities idols were overthrown and churches were built Chapter 40. About the fact that, on for three decades, having proclaimed his three sons basileus, he celebrated the consecration of the church he created in Jerusalem Chapter 41. That, on the occasion of disputes in Egypt, he ordered, among other things, to be a council in Tire Chapter 42. Letter of Constantine to the Tire Cathedral Chapter 43. That bishops from all dioceses gathered for the celebration of the renewal of the Jerusalem temple Chapter 44. About how they were received by the notary (νοταριον) Marian Chapter 45. Various interviews of bishops in assemblies, and conversations of Eusebius, the writer of this story Chapter 46. That the description of the church of the Savior and the word on the occasion of the thirtieth birthday Eusebius subsequently read to Constantine himself Chapter 47. About the fact that the council of Nicea was in the twentieth anniversary, and the renewal of the Jerusalem temple in the thirtieth anniversary [of the reign] of Constantine Chapter 48. About how Constantine expressed his displeasure when someone praised him excessively Chapter 49. The marriage of his son, Caesar Constantius Chapter 50. The embassy and gifts of the Indians Chapter 51. About how Constantine, dividing between three sons, power over the empire, taught them to reign piously Chapter 52. About how he directed them to piety when they reached the age of perfection Chapter 53. About the fact that, reigning for about thirty-two years, and living for more than sixty, he kept his body healthy Chapter 54. About those who abused his excessive love for mankind for self-interest and pretense Chapter 55. About the fact that to his own death, Constantine wrote speeches Chapter 56. About how, going to war against the Persians, he took with him bishops and a tent modeled after a church Chapter 57. About how, having received the Persian embassy, he spent Easter night with others Chapter 58. About the construction of a church in honor of the Apostles in Constantinople Chapter 59. Description of the same church Chapter 60. About the fact that he built a tomb in it for his burial Chapter 61. The disorder of his body in Helenopolis and prayers for baptism Chapter 62. Constantine begs the bishops to give him Baptism Chapter 63. About how he, having been baptized, praises God Chapter 64. The death of Constantine on the feast of Pentecost, around noon Chapter 65. The lamentation of soldiers and leaders Chapter 66. The transfer of his body from Nicomedia to the palace of Constantinople Chapter 67. That both the Comites and all the others gave him honors after death, as during life Chapter 68. How the army proclaimed his children Augusti Chapter 69. Rome’s lamentation about Constantine and the honors given to him after death through his image Chapter 70. Constantius buries his body in Constantinople Chapter 71. Meeting (Συναξις) in the mentioned church of the Apostles, at the burial of Constantine Chapter 72. About the phoenix bird Chapter 73. About the fact that on the coins Constantine was depicted as if ascending to heaven Chapter 74. About the fact that the God he honored gave him what he deserved Chapter 75. That of the former Roman basileus, Constantine was the most pious basileus HR Caesarea Palestine is a city on the Mediterranean coast of Palestine, the capital of the province since 6 AD, a bishopric since the 2nd century. from R.H. 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