The story of
Emperor Constantine
Founder of our Order
Inspiring our morals
One day on the march to Rome, Constantine and his army saw what they believed was a sign from Heaven, a pillar of light in the sky in the form of a special cross, with an inscription foretelling victory.
Constantine’s father was one of four joint rulers of the Roman Empire, ruling over the Western Province. Constantine had joined his father to quell an uprising in Britain. When his father died, Constantine was hailed as Caesar by the legions in York in 306 A.D, which was grudgingly accepted by the Augustus (Senior Emperor) in Rome.
Following attempts to undermine his position by Maxentius in Rome, Constantine resolved to seek justice and retribution by marching on Rome with his army.
One day on the march to Rome, Constantine and his army saw what they believed was a sign from Heaven, a pillar of light in the sky in the form of a special cross, with an inscription foretelling victory. Constantine thereforehad made a standard bearing a Cross like that seen, and ordered it to be carried before him in his battles.
Following victory over Maxentius, the Senate proclaimed Constantine Augustus Maximus (the Senior Emperor). Having later defeated the Augustus of the Eastern Province, Constantine became sole ruler of the Roman Empire. He then transferred the capital from Rome to Byzantium, later renamed Constantinople in his honour.
Constantine was the first Roman Emperor to openly embrace and encourage Christianity. At his instigation, several Councils of Bishops were established which laid down a firm basis of Christian liturgy and belief.
The Order was founded as a memorial to the divine miracle which led to Constantine’s conversion to Christianity, and which subsequently enabled him to complete the overthrow of his enemy. Prior to his conversion, our Royal Founder had been initiated into the College of Artificers at Rome and had attained the position of Master. His early training doubtless enlightened his mind and prompted him to gain a more complete knowledge of the Unknown God, the worship of Whom formed the core of one of our Ancient Mysteries.
Read more about the Emperor on Wikipedia, other sources and links
Order of The Red Cross of Constantine and the and the Orders of the Holy Sepulchre
and St. John the Evangelist – Benelux Division
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