Founding of Constantinople

Commemoration of the dedication of Constantinople as the New Rome by Saint Constantine the Great.

On May 11 in the year 330 the Emperor Constantine formally dedicated the city of Byzantium as the new capital of the empire, placing it under the protection of the Theotokos. The city became the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the heart of the Orthodox world.

The Church has kept the anniversary of the dedication each year.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Founding of Constantinople is commemorated on May 11. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on May 24 of the civil calendar.

Also commemorated on May 11

• 

  Mocius the Martyr

  Martyr, Μώκιος

  Hieromartyr Mocius, patron of the founding of Constantinople.

  Name days: Mokios, Mocius

• 

  Cyril and Methodios, Enlighteners of the Slavs

  Apostle, Κύριλλος και Μεθόδιος

  Saints Cyril and Methodios of Thessalonica, Equals-to-the-Apostles and enlighteners of the Slavic peoples.

  Name days: Kyrillos, Kirillos, Cyril, Kyril, Methodios, Methodius

• Argyrios of Epanomi

  Martyr, Αργύριος ο Επανομίτης

  New Martyr Argyrios of Epanomi, a young tailor hanged at Thessalonica for confessing Christ.

  Name days: Argyrios, Argyris, Argiris, Argyro

• Olympia and Euphrosyne of Mytilene

  Holy Woman, Ολυμπία και Ευφροσύνη

  Venerable Martyrs Olympia and Euphrosyne, nuns of Mytilene slain by invaders.

  Name days: Olympia

• Dioskoros the New

  Martyr, Διόσκορος ο Νέος

  New Martyr Dioskoros, who suffered at Smyrna.

  Name days: Dioskoros