Helena’s Will and Death

At length, at the close of a long life, she was called to inherit a happier lot. She had reached the eightieth year of her age, and when she was very near the time of her departure she drew up and signed her last will, in favor of her only son, the emperor and sole ruler of the world, and of her grandchildren, the Caesars, his sons. To each of them she left whatever property she had in any part of the world. Having made her will, this thrice-blessed woman died in the presence of her illustrious son, who was at her side, caring for her and holding her hands. So to those who rightly perceived the truth, the thrice-blessed one seemed not to die, but to undergo a real change and passage from an earthly to a heavenly existence, since her soul, remade as it were into an incorruptible and angelic being, was taken up into her Savior’s presence. [a]