Heavenly light knocks at our door,
Bringing bright rays forevermore,
Let us now cleanse our troubled souls
From darkness that our sin controls.
(St. Ambrose of Milan, hymn for Holy Saturday)
Fifteen centuries ago, in mighty Rome, no one could have guessed that the young nobleman Ambrose would rise to become a mighty pillar of Orthodox truth. In Augusta Treverorum, now called Trier, this child of destiny drew his first breath. He was the son of Aurelius Ambrosius, a nobleman appointed Prefect of Gaul, responsible for civil administration in the western provinces of the Roman Empire. This fertile land encompassed parts of modern-day Italy, Germany, and France. Gaul’s neighbours, however, were far from peaceful. Ambrose the Elder often found himself on the battlefield, leading troops in military campaigns. During one such campaign, a wondrous event unfolded. As his newborn son lay sleeping in a cradle, a swarm of bees descended upon the garden. They enveloped the infant, yet no harm came to him. Instead, they left a single drop of honey on the tongue of the still-sleeping child. The father, witnessing this marvel, declared, “Greatness awaits my son!”
Cities where St. Ambrose of Milan lived and laboured
Aurelius Ambrosius belonged to an ancient and noble senatorial family that had embraced Christianity even during the times of persecution. Martyr Sophia, who suffered for Christ under Diocletian, numbered among his kin. During Emperor Constantine II’s campaign in Italy, Ambrosius Senior perished, and the family relocated to Rome. His elder daughter, Marcellina, soon embraced monastic life, while young Ambrose devoted himself to the study of grammar, rhetoric, and jurisprudence. Bright of mind and well-read, he embarked on his career as a lawyer in Sirmium* (modern Sremska Mitrovica in Serbia).
There, in the judicial department of the Prefecture of Illyricum, his talents flourished. A master of oratory, so beloved in ancient Rome, and an expert in jurisprudence and literature, he quickly became a close advisor to the head of Rome. A brilliant future at the emperor’s court seemed all but assured. Indeed, at the age of thirty, Ambrose was appointed Consul (governor) of the northwestern regions of the empire — the province of Emilia-Liguria, with its centre in Mediolanum (modern-day Milan).
Ambrose arrived in Milan not for spiritual feats. Recognising his eloquence, the authorities tasked him with restoring peace to a city gripped by turmoil. The Arian heresy had sown discord among the people. The Bishop of Milan, who had himself leaned towards Arianism, had died. The Church — both the people and its shepherds — was electing a successor. The new governor, Ambrose, was present at the assembly to maintain order.
An old map of Milan
The bishop’s election faltered: no candidate found favour among the people. Suddenly, a child, cradled in his mother’s arms, spoke with astonishing clarity: “Ambrose is bishop!” Eyes turned, seeking the one named. The child, moved by divine inspiration, repeated the words. The Milanese turned to their governor. “Ambrose for bishop!” “Ambrose as bishop!” echoed many voices.
“But I am here to keep the peace, it is my duty… In the Church, I am but a catechumen, unbaptized…” His protests went unheeded. The elders knew God’s will. Ambrose would be their bishop.
Here unfolds a tale of divine truth seeking, where human desires give way to heaven’s light. Though chosen, Ambrose deemed himself unworthy. He played the madman, hoping to turn hearts aside. In court, he acted with harshness, displaying a volatile temper. When this failed, he brazenly welcomed women of ill repute to his door. Yet all knew the truth — his was a family of spotless virtue. Both Ambrose and his elder brother Uranius Satyrus lived in celibacy, later serving the Church together. As bishop, Ambrose and his sister, the nun Marcellina, established many convents.
Uranius Satyrus, brother of St. Ambrose of Milan
Still the people cried: “Let your sin be upon us! You shall be our shepherd!” That very night, Ambrose fled Milan, taking the road to Rome, the heart of the empire. He sought to escape the weighty cross, the immense grace offered — he desired neither. Like the philosophers of old, he chose to abandon his post and wander. All through the night, Ambrose pressed on, putting distance between himself and the city. Dawn found him weary at city gates — the very ones he had slipped through hours before. The Lord made His will known, revealing to the future saint the place of his episcopal ministry.
Porta Romana — “Roman Gates” (16th Century), Standing where the main entrance to Milan was during the Roman Empire — marks the starting point of the road leading to ancient Rome.
The people of Milan wasted no time. They had petitioned Emperor Valentinian I to let their governor become their bishop. Upon receiving imperial consent, Ambrose found himself swept through the sacred stages in mere days — from baptism to his first Eucharist, then through diaconate and priesthood, culminating in his consecration as bishop. At Ambrose’s episcopal consecration, Valentinian I himself was present.
Ambrose gave all his possessions to the Church. Thus began Ambrose’s ascent to the heights of Christian holiness, a mere mortal raised by God’s will to the ranks of His saints. Yet for Saint Ambrose, neither his great learning nor his mastery of philosophy, nor his authority as a Church hierarch held decisive importance. He placed spiritual guidance at the heart of his ministry.
Heeding his request, Pope Damasus, the Bishop of Rome, appointed the priest Simplicianus as his spiritual mentor. And Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, humbled himself before this simple priest, embracing his teachings with reverence and love.
Saint Ambrose led his flock in an era transformed by Emperor Constantine’s edicts. Christianity had found freedom, even favour within the Empire. The bishop understood the vital task before him: to define and secure the place of Orthodoxy within the land.
Saint Ambrose was not merely a preacher. In essence, he was the first bishop to declare that the priesthood was a higher calling than emperorship, that Rome was the Church. He fought against pagan values and customs, which still held sway among the Roman aristocracy, and actively participated in affairs of state. His fight against the Arian heresy, his unwavering defence of Orthodox belief, resonated deeply. He helped forge the very path of history.
Patron saint of Milan
The Bishop of Milan stood as a stalwart defender of the faith against heresy and division. He faced down the Arian faction, led by Justina, the mother of Emperor Valentinian II (375–393). When she demanded that Saint Ambrose surrender the Milanese basilica for the Arian Goths in the Roman mercenary legions, he stood firm. He refused, proclaiming God’s property beyond the reach of imperial decree. “They say the Emperor can do as he pleases, that all belongs to him,” the saint wrote. “I say: Think not, O Emperor, that you hold sway over God’s affairs. If you desire a long reign, submit to God. It is written: ‘Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s’ (Matthew 22:21). Palaces belong to the Emperor, churches to the bishop.”
The bishop’s authority was so great, even Empress Justina accepted it. People listened to the saint. At his demand, the pagan altar to Victory was removed from the Senate chamber in Rome where senators had previously sworn oaths during their meetings. Like a rock he stood, resolute in defending church teachings.
Yet despite the rigours of his ascetic life, he had a joyful heart. After celebrating the Divine Liturgy, the saint would usually sit down to read Holy Scripture and the commentaries of the Eastern Fathers. “The doors of his chambers,” writes Farrar, “were always open, and his time generally belonged to his flock. All were welcome to his presence, to seek his counsel. Should anyone approach with a plea for aid, he would abandon his reading at once, devoting his full attention to their plight. Afterwards, he would return to his scholarly pursuits, not at all embarrassed by the fact that many of his visitors remained near his chambers and watched him at work with idle curiosity.
Except for two days a week, he fasted daily until evening. After his meal, he would sit down to write sermons and treatises, but, unlike most of his contemporaries, he wrote everything by hand, as he did not consider it right to tire others by keeping them awake for long hours of the night”.
“Ambrose of Milan Forbids Emperor Theodosius’ Entry to the Church”. Andrei Ivanov, 1829.
Among the stories associated with Saint Ambrose, his sternness towards Emperor Theodosius is well known. In the summer of 390, the people of Thessalonica revolted, and several officers were killed. The emperor ordered his soldiers to bare their swords. Blood flowed: around 7,000 inhabitants perished.
Upon learning of this, Saint Ambrose wrote a letter to the emperor, in which he upbraided him and called him to repentance. The saint also informed Theodosius that he would not pray with him at the service and forbade him to enter the sanctuary. Theodosius came to the service anyway, citing his “secret” repentance before God. But the holy bishop of Milan stopped the emperor, who was on his way to receive Holy Communion, in public: “Depart! You are not worthy!”
This was no rash act of defiance against authority, but the calm, resolute deed of a man whose spirit shone like a diamond. Through Ambrose’s eyes, the Church itself gazed upon Theodosius, and the emperor retreated. For several months Theodosius did not receive Communion, and then, putting aside the emblems of imperial dignity, he came to the saint in repentance.
Saint Ambrose cultivated and instructed untamed minds, unveiling profound mysteries through the simple eloquence of the Bible. From the pulpit, he dispensed “honey”, “milk”, and “solid food” to nourish the souls of his people. The saint’s sermons influenced not only ordinary citizens. Roman emperors, Persian sages, and even the rulers of neighbouring countries valued his opinion. Through letters alone, he led Queen Fritigil of the Germanic tribes to Christ, and with her, her people followed.
In the year 387 AD, stirred by the powerful preaching of the archbishop of Milan, the blessed Augustine embraced the Christian faith and received Holy Baptism. He later became a bishop himself and one of the Church’s greatest theologians.
Saint Ambrose left behind a wealth of writings, but his sermons stand out. They brim with fervent faith, condemning sins boldly, especially pride and moral decay. In his work On the Sacraments, the holy man of Milan compiled his sermons for newly baptised Christians. His most famous works include On the Sacraments, On the Orthodox Faith, On the Holy Spirit, and Hexameron. He also addressed moral questions in writings like On Virgins and On Widows.
The Cathedral of St. Ambrose in Milan
St. Ambrose was a dynamic, divinely gifted man, a skilled theologian who conveyed the Nicene Creed and the doctrine of the Holy Trinity in language both simple and profound. He left behind detailed instructions for priests on how to conduct church services.
Saint Ambrose introduced innovations in the realm of worship in his church. Before his time, the service consisted of a single cantor chanting psalms. The congregation responded with a similarly monotonous chant. The Archbishop of Milan reformed church singing. He introduced antiphonal singing in the Eastern manner, now known as Ambrosian chant. He also greatly enriched the church service by introducing folk tunes.
Milan had its own liturgy, compiled by Saint Ambrose himself. The congregation did not just enjoy the beauty of the music; they took part in performing it too. The singing of the Milanese church made a huge impression on those who lived at the time. Saints Paulinus and Augustine, as well as Pope Damasus, were all members of the congregation and spoke of the power of this music. Milanese, or Ambrosian, chants were performed far beyond Italy’s borders, for example, in early medieval Prague.
Saint Ambrose composed several hymns, setting out Christian teaching in verse. Twelve (or eighteen, according to other sources) church hymns attributed to him survive to this day.
In 386, he composed the hymn of praise “Te Deum Laudamus” (“We Praise You, O God”). This not only became part of Orthodox worship but is still sung at thanksgiving services and on New Year’s Eve. The verse form that Saint Ambrose found was both refined and accessible. It appealed to the sophisticated tastes of the classically educated, while remaining accessible to ordinary believers.
The Works of St. Ambrose of Milan, Published in Russian
Christ, You are the Light Divine
Vanquishing the night’s dark sign,
Radiance of dawn’s first line,
Proclaiming bliss in rise benign.
To You we cry, O Lord,
Grant in night Your blessed light,
To those who seek Your rest,
Be our guard through silent night.
Look down from heaven, our Defender,
Restrain the wicked, save us,
Guide us, Your servants, always,
Redeemed by Your Blood, keep us.
Do not forsake us, Lord God,
Nor leave our cross, this body,
Keep us from evil’s power,
Through Your holy presence.
Fulfil requests, Your servants,
Almighty Father, grant them,
Through Christ — with Him forever,
You reign with Holy Spirit.
The Bishop of Milan was a man of fasting and spiritual discipline. He served Christ and poured himself out for his flock. Once, during a long fast, two figures in white robes appeared to Saint Ambrose. They appeared twice and revealed their names. Then they showed him the place where their bodies, mutilated for Christ, lay. The martyrs’ names were Protasius and Gervasius. Upon discovering the martyrs’ burial site, Saint Ambrose unearthed their relics, which had been resting there since the 1st century. In 379, at the burial place of the holy martyrs Victor, Nabore, Felix, Valerius, Gervasius, and Protasius, the saint laid the foundation for a three-aisled church. It was the first of four basilicas that Saint Ambrose built outside the walls of ancient Milan in the final quarter of the 4th century.
The relics of Saint Ambrose in the crypt of the cathedral bearing his name in Milan; to the right and left of the saint lie the relics of the martyrs Gervasius and Protasius. Saint Ambrose requested to be buried alongside the martyrs whose bodies he had discovered
The great saint reposed at the age of 57 in 397, on 4 April, the day of Great Saturday. According to his biographer and contemporary, Deacon Paulinus of Milan, both Christians and pagans mourned his passing. He was laid to rest in Milan, in the mausoleum of the church he had constructed.
In 824, Archbishop Angelbert II solemnly transferred his relics to a porphyry sarcophagus. Today, the great saint rests in full vestments between the martyrs Protasius and Gervasius, who lie on either side.
Veneration of the saint began almost immediately after his death. His Latin and Greek biographies appeared as early as the fifth century. Saint Ambrose stands among God’s chosen, remarkable for his blend of profound learning and personal holiness. Rome shaped him as a scholar, while in the Orthodox Church, the Lord bestowed upon him knowledge of Scripture and holiness. We, Christians of the 21st century, desperately need his prayers to weave together our life experiences and acquired knowledge with the knowledge of the Lord deep within our hearts.
“Organ of divine inspiration, partaker of the apostolic virtues, Rome’s crimson flowering, Ambrose, blessed hierarch, you rebuked the emperor and established the universe in piety. Therefore, pray to Christ to grant us great mercy.”
Troparion (Tone 4)
This material was prepared by the editorial team of obitel-minsk.ru
Photos from the internet.
*Sirmium was one of the four capitals of Ancient Rome for several decades, alongside Treverorum (modern Trier), Mediolanum (modern Milan), and Nicomedia (modern Izmit).
Sources used:
1. Farrar, F.W. The Lives and Works of the Holy Fathers and Teachers of the Church. Translated from English by A.P. Lopukhin. Pg., 1902. Vol. I. 672†XXXIV pp.
2. Lives of the Saints in the Russian Language, Set Forth According to the Guidance of the Chetykh-Minei of Saint Dimitry of Rostov. 12 books. Moscow: “Kovcheg”, 2010.
3. Menaion. December, part 1, published by the Moscow Patriarchate.
4. Called by the Mouth of an Infant: Ambrose of Milan. Pravoslavie.Ru (pravoslavie.ru)
5. The Church Commemorates Saint Ambrose, Bishop of Milan. Pravmir (pravmir.ru)
