A reader-backed edition

The Way of Constantine

Genres

Historical
Fiction

Keywords

roman empire
novella

In 306 A.D., the reign of Constantine was first proclaimed by Roman troops outside the Principia of Eboracum in Britannia. Seventy-two years later, his divisive legacy continues.

In the Northern outpost of the Empire, Aurelius’ long-held neutrality is threatened. As Defender of the People he is bound to serve both soldier and civilian, Pagan and Christian, state and family. But as the city’s Christians prepare to celebrate the Resurrection, suspicion of treason deepens, leaving the city vulnerable to attack.

With the future of Constantine’s religion—and the Empire—in jeopardy, Aurelius will be forced to choose where his true allegiance lies.

Revising · 78% complete · 22,775 words

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York: A Christian City

A living history

After being proclaimed Emperor in the northern outpost of Eboracum following the death of his father Constantius, Constantine—along with his mother Helen—reshaped the course of history by ending the persecution of Christians and convening the first Ecumenical Council. But what happened next? This story imaginatively explores life in this small city after its brief moment in the spotlight. As Christianity takes root among the people, established norms are challenged, questions of identity are raised, and the sacred and secular overlap in unexpected ways. As we face yet another period of cultural and political upheaval, The Way of Constantine grounds us in the story of York (Eboracum), and its people.

Author

Maximos Bryan

@mbryan

Maximos lives and works as a writer, chanter, and software engineer in York, England with his wife, three children, and two dogs. He finished his first short story in 2022 and is currently working on his first novella, The Way of Constantine.

He is a member of the Story Hearth led by Nicholas Kotar, and co-leads the St Christopher Society for creative writers at St Constantine’s Antiochian Orthodox parish. He is also the founder of Longpress.

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Supporting St Constantine’s

The Way of Constantine was inspired by the efforts of our parish to purchase St Martin-cum-Gregory on Mickelgate (on the grounds of the Roman Colonia, where the story takes place!) If succesful, it will be the first Orthodox Christian Church in the city since 1054 A.D.

All proceeds from the publication of this book will go towards the building fund; alternatively, you may contribute directly here. If you do so, I will be happy to send you a complimentary copy!

Fundraising video

‘The world that we know will be swept away. Not one trace of it will remain!’
—Lucian, from The Way of Constantine

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Revising · 78% complete

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