Ambrose

Ambrose of Milan (Latin: Aurelius Ambrosius; c.339  4 April 397), venerated as Saint Ambrose, was a theologian and statesman who served as Bishop of Milan from 374 to 397. He expressed himself prominently as a public figure, fiercely promoting Roman Christianity against Arianism and paganism. He left a substantial collection of writings, of which the best known include the ethical commentary De officiis ministrorum (377–391), and the exegetical Exameron (386–390). His preachings, his actions and his literary works, in addition to his innovative musical hymnography, made him one of the most influential ecclesiastical figures of the 4th century.

Saint

Ambrose of Milan
Bishop of Milan
Detail from possibly contemporary mosaic (c.380–500) of Ambrose in the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio
DioceseMediolanum (Milan)
SeeMediolanum
Installed374 AD
Term ended4 April 397
PredecessorAuxentius
SuccessorSimplician
Orders
Consecration7 December 374
Personal details
Born
Aurelius Ambrosius

c.339
Died4 April 397(397-04-04) (aged 56–57)
Mediolanum, Italia, Roman Empire
BuriedCrypt of the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio
DenominationChristian
Sainthood
Feast day7 December
Venerated in
Title as SaintDoctor of the Church
PatronageMilan and beekeepers
Other patronage
  • Bakers of honeybread, bees, bishops, candlemakers, chandlers, domestic animals, the French Commissariat, geese, gingerbread makers, learning, schoolchildren, stone masons, students, wax melters and Bologna
ShrinesBasilica of Sant'Ambrogio

Theology career
Notable work
  • De officiis ministrorum (377–391)
  • Exameron (386–390)
  • De obitu Theodosii (395)
Theological work
EraPatristic Age
Tradition or movementTrinitarianism
Main interestsChristian ethics and mariology
Notable ideasAnti-paganism, mother of the Church

Ambrose was serving as the Roman governor of Aemilia-Liguria in Milan when he was unexpectedly made Bishop of Milan in 374 by popular acclamation. As bishop, he took a firm position against Arianism and attempted to mediate the conflict between the emperors Theodosius I and Magnus Maximus. Tradition credits Ambrose with developing an antiphonal chant, known as Ambrosian chant, and for composing the "Te Deum" hymn, though modern scholars now reject both of these attributions. Ambrose's authorship on at least four hymns, including the well-known "Veni redemptor gentium", is secure; they form the core of the Ambrosian hymns, which includes others that are sometimes attributed to him. He also had a notable influence on Augustine of Hippo (354–430), whom he helped convert to Christianity.

Western Christianity identified Ambrose as one of its four traditional Doctors of the Church. He is considered a saint by the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Anglican Communion, and various Lutheran denominations, and venerated as the patron saint of Milan and beekeepers.

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.