The following are the names celebrated on December 7:
- Ambrose
- Ambrose
- ambrosia
Who was Saint Ambrose?
He was born around 340 in the city of Trebira, Germany. His father’s name was Ambrose and he was a devout Christian and belonged to a noble family.Actually, his family held high political offices.He himself was the commander of France. When his father died he was still a child and his mother settled in Rome, where she devoted herself to the care of her child. He had the opportunity to give him a great education, but more than worldly knowledge he took care to give him a spiritual education. He indoctrinated him in the Christian faith and taught him the christian virtues.
Ambrose showed unusual dedication and achievement in his studies. He studied Latin and Greek philology, beliefs and law. At the same time, he emerged as a perfect personality, adorned with morality, modesty, gentleness and seriousness. He stood apart from his pagan classmates,who were steeped in debauchery and licentiousness.
After completing his studies he settled in Milan,an crucial city of the Empire. He began practicing law, quickly emerging as a brilliant orator. At the same time,he became known for his ethics,and loved by the residents of Milan. Shortly afterwards, the emperor of the Western Valentianos appointed him commander of the provinces of Ligyria and Emilia, based in Milan, appreciating his abilities and morals. From his new high position of government, Ambrose showed himself not only to be capable, so that he justified the choice of the emperor, but also to be a just and loving leader, giving justice and relieving those in need. As an imperial officer he was loved and respected by the people.
Along with his political duties, he was also involved in ecclesiastical matters. In those years the Church was torn apart by quarrels and divisions, caused by the heretical Martians. After the death of the orthodox Bishop of Milan, the Martian groups tried to occupy the diocese and order their own bishop. The Orthodox bishops were embarrassed and were in a challenging position, due to the disorderly situation, which was bound to riots and conflicts. The commander Ambrosios, seeing the difficult situation, whent down to the market, where the orthodox were gathered. Then a little child, by divine inspiration, shouted from the crowd: ”Ambrose is becoming a bishop”! Then the crowd started repeating the phrase! Ambrose, who found himself in the imposed order of the market, was elected a bishop and indeed, without being a baptized Christian, but he belonged to the class of catechists, since at the time they were baptized, as a rule, as men adult!
Ambrose was surprised. but he considered the cry of the crowd as a call from God to undertake another ministry, ecclesiastical, which was no better than politics. He had to accept the will of the people. So he immediately asked to be baptized and in eight days he was ordained a deacon and an elder. Afterwards,on december 7,364,he was ordained a bishop and placed on the throne of Milan.
His first act was to get rid of his great fortune, which he distributed to the poor, and he kept all his clothes and books. He worked actively to reform his local church. he was a fairly prudent minister. An incomprehensible preacher of the word of God, who brought together the multitudes who came to listen to him. He strengthened the mission and converted thousands of heretics and pagans to orthodoxy. Simultaneously occurring, he did unprecedented charity work for the region. He was a loving father to all the inhabitants of his episcopal area, irrespective of whether they were Christians or outside the Church. He went so far as to sell the things of the temples for free!
When needed, this mild-mannered, ill-mannered man became a masterless ruler. As soon as the widow of the emperor Iulinis, who sympathized with the Martians, in 385, through her son Valentinianus II, requested that the temple of Ambrose be given to the Martians, outside the city.The dedicated bishop considered the request a betrayal of Orthodoxy, refusing to satisfy the imperial request! The emperor considered it an insult to refuse him and therefore sent soldiers, at the time of the Divine Liturgy, to arrest Ambrose. The holy bishop remained calm and undisturbed,so that the soldiers refused to arrest him. And because of the faithful standing warning, the emperor revoked his order. but the careless queen mother returned with her request, a year later, to grant a temple to the heretical Martians. Ambrose refused again and scorned the emperor, comparing him to Ahab, the godless king of Israel! The emperor was angry and he ordered to arrest and expel the warrior and disorderly bishop.Ambrose remained shut up in the temple, protected by faithful Christians for many days. But again the emperor revoked his order,in view of the heroic position of Ambrose and the danger of the loyal people of Milan from the point of view of resistance.
But the incident that expressed Ambrose’s heroic attitude was the fierce discipline against the emperor theodosius I. In the year 390 there was a dissension in Thessaloniki, as a result of which the general of the city and some of his officers were killed. The emperor became angry and decided to punish the inhabitants of Thessaloniki severely and extremely. After you gathered a large crowd in the hippopotamus, you ordered a general massacre, where more than seven thousand innocent civilians were killed. After some time, he found himself in Milan and went with his numerous entourage to the city’s cathedral to attend church. Ambrose was informed that the emperor had come, took the Holy Gospel and waited at the door of the temple. When he came to him he repented greatly for his terrible crime and prevented him from entering the temple! he asked him to sincerely repent and publicly apologize for his misfortune! In fact, he was not counted among the fathers!
Everyone expected that the emperor would be angry and order the punishment of the bishop, who was eager to oppose the powerful ruler and publicly humiliate him in this way. But Ambrose’s heroic discipline worked redeemingly on the emperor’s soul.He began to realize his great sin, trembling violently and weeping. Ambrose imposed eight months of abstinence from the Holy Eucharist. He received communion at Christmas, after a public confession!
Ambrose also forbade the stay and communion of the kings inside the Holy Altar, showing the supremacy of the priestly authority, which originates from God.
It was vrey important, and a pioneer of his time, ambrose’s request from the emperor Gratian, that the convicts shoudl not be executed immediately after the trial, but after a month had passed, so that their guilt could indeed be proven.
Ambrose was a great defender of Orthodoxy. You took part in the Synod of Aquileia, where the Martian bishops Palladius and Secoudianus were condemned and put to death. In 382 he presided over the Synod in Milan, where the heresy of Apollinarius was condemned. He also took part in the Council of Rome and in 391 the Council of Capua.
His writng was also immense. More than twenty-five of his well-studied theological works and ninety-one letters have been preserved, which show a deep theological scent. It also emerged as ecclesiastical speeches and great hymns. Many of his hymns are still used by Westerners today. The well-known hymn we have,which is sung during the celebration of the Holy Gifts “We praise you,we bless you,we thank you,Lord,and we praise you our God”,is his.
His unceasing struggles,work and asceticism affected his health. He fell ill and slept peacefully on Good Friday, April 4, 397, after 23 years as high priest. His funeral took place on Easter day, in which all the residents of Milan participated, orthodox, Martian and pagan, because the holy bishop was the father, protector and benefactor of all!
He is counted among the Great Fathers and teachers of our Church.
His memory is commemorated on December 7.
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What were the key contributions of Saint Ambrose to early Christianity?
Time.news Interview: Celebrating Saint Ambrose
Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today to discuss the legacy of Saint Ambrose. With us is Dr.Helena Fischer, a historian specializing in early Christian figures. Dr. Fischer, it’s a pleasure to have you here.
Dr. Fischer: Thank you for having me! It’s always exciting to delve into the life of such an influential figure in early Christianity.
Editor: Let’s start from the beginning. can you give us a brief overview of Saint ambrose’s early life and background?
Dr. Fischer: Absolutely. Saint Ambrose was born around 340 AD in Trebira, Germany, into a noble family. his father held a high position politically, so Ambrose was exposed to a privileged upbringing. After his father’s death, his mother moved the family to rome, emphasizing a robust spiritual education alongside the typical academic curriculum.
Editor: His educational journey seemed quite remarkable. What subjects did he excel in?
Dr. Fischer: Indeed, he showed remarkable dedication to his studies, focusing on Latin and Greek philology, beliefs, and law.His moral character distinguished him from his peers, who often engaged in a debaucherous lifestyle. This foundation was crucial in shaping both his legal career and his future ecclesiastical responsibilities.
Editor: Transitioning to his political career, can you explain how he became a bishop?
Dr. Fischer: It’s a engaging story! After a prosperous law practice in Milan,he was appointed as the commander of liguria and Emilia by the emperor of the western Empire. When the, then, vacant bishopric of milan came under contention due to a power struggle, Ambrose intervened and, after a surprising turn of events influenced by the crowd, was proclaimed bishop—even though he had not yet been baptized!
Editor: That must have been a challenging situation for him. How did he handle this unexpected change in his life?
Dr. Fischer: Ambrose accepted it as a divine calling. Following his baptism, he quickly ascended to ordination, and he immediately began to fulfill his duties with a remarkable sense of obligation.He famously distributed his wealth to the poor, emphasizing his commitment to charity and reforming the local church.
Editor: In terms of his preaching, how was he regarded by the public?
Dr.fischer: Ambrose became known as a powerful and compassionate preacher. His sermons resonated deeply with people, attracting large crowds seeking spiritual guidance. His transformative efforts led thousands to convert to orthodoxy, and he became a unifying figure during a tumultuous period for the Church.
Editor: He clearly had a meaningful impact. Can you elaborate on one of his notable conflicts during his tenure?
Dr. Fischer: One of the most dramatic moments came when the empress mother sought to grant a temple to heretical groups. Ambrose staunchly refused, viewing it as a betrayal of the Orthodox faith. His refusal led to a tense standoff with the emperor, who even sent soldiers to arrest him during a liturgy. However, Ambrose’s calmness and the solidarity of his congregation led to the emperor revoking his order. It was a powerful testament to his character and faith.
editor: It’s incredible how he stood firm in his beliefs. What do you think we can learn from Ambrose’s life today?
Dr. Fischer: his life reflects the importance of integrity, compassion, and leadership rooted in moral values. Ambrose exemplified how to balance civic duty with spiritual responsibility and the power of standing up for one’s beliefs in the face of opposition. These lessons remain relevant as we navigate our own societal challenges.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Fischer, for sharing such valuable insights into the life of Saint Ambrose. His story certainly offers not only ancient significance but also lessons that resonate today.
Dr. Fischer: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing this remarkable figure with you.