Trials and Persecution During the

Continued 👇🏾 Trials and Persecution During the reign of Emperor Diocletian, Christians endured great persecution throughout the Roman Empire. The city of Jerusalem had already been destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D., and later, under Diocletian’s rule, new decrees were issued to suppress the faith. Churches were closed, temples of idols were opened, holy books were burned, church property was seized, and Christians were dismissed from their jobs. If they were wronged, they were forbidden to seek justice in court. These were days of sorrow and trial for the followers of Christ. In this dark time, the mercy of God was revealed through a heavenly vision. The cross a symbol of victory appeared in the sky to Emperor Constantine, shining with divine light. Through this miraculous sign, the Lord granted freedom to all Christians who were suffering under the decrees of oppression. Strengthened by the power of the cross, Constantine overcame the pagan rulers who shared authority in the Roman Empire. After his victory, Constantine abolished the decree of destruction and issued a new decree of freedom. The glory of the Church was restored through the message of the Gospel, which triumphed over the old decree of impurity. He granted the Church exemption from taxes, a share of the state’s revenue, and the right to inherit from those who confessed the faith. Sunday was declared a holy day of rest and worship, and bishops were given full authority to govern the Christian people. Through these acts, the Church found peace and freedom under the protection of the cross. Saint Eleni’s Devotion and the Discovery of the Cross Saint Eleni, the mother of Constantine, was also moved by a deep love for the cross. Like the Virgin Mary and Saint John who stood at Calvary, she set out for that sacred place with devotion and faith. There, she was guided by a man named Kirakos, who instructed her to: Light a fire (Demera). Offer incense. Observe the smoke as a sign. Dig at the site of cross. By following these divine instructions, Saint Eleni discovered the exact location of the Holy Cross on Meskerem 16. Excavation began on Meskerem 17 and continued until Megabit 10. At last, the true cross of our Lord Jesus Christ was revealed to the world, bringing joy and light to all believers. From that time on, history records that countless miracles were performed through the power of the Holy Cross, confirming its truth and sanctity. The love and faith of Saint Eleni stand as a testimony for all generations a reminder that through perseverance and devotion, the glory of God is always revealed to those who seek Him with all their hearts. Continues 👇🏾