Ambrose
BIOGRAPHY
Ambrose of Milan (Latin: Aurelius Ambrosius; c. 339 – April 4, 397), venerated as Saint Ambrose, was an influential theologian and statesman who served as Bishop of Milan from 374 until his death in 397. As a prominent public figure, he vigorously championed Roman Christianity against both Arianism and paganism. His substantial literary corpus includes notable works such as the ethical treatise "De officiis ministrorum" (377-391) and the exegetical "Exameron" (386-390). Through his preaching, ecclesiastical leadership, writings, and innovative contributions to hymnography, Ambrose emerged as one of the fourth century's most consequential church figures.
Ambrose's path to ecclesiastical leadership was extraordinary—he was serving as the Roman governor of Aemilia-Liguria in Milan when popular acclamation unexpectedly elevated him to the position of bishop in 374. During his episcopate, he maintained a resolute stance against Arianism and attempted to mediate conflicts between emperors Theodosius I and Magnus Maximus. While tradition has attributed the development of Ambrosian chant and composition of the "Te Deum" hymn to Ambrose, modern scholarship has withdrawn support for these claims. However, his authorship of at least four hymns, including the celebrated "Veni redemptor gentium," remains firmly established. These authentic compositions form the foundation of the Ambrosian hymn collection, which includes other works sometimes attributed to him. Ambrose also played a crucial role in the conversion of Augustine of Hippo (354-430) to Christianity, significantly influencing the future Church Father.
Western Christianity recognizes Ambrose, alongside Augustine, Jerome, and Pope Gregory the Great, as one of the four Great Latin Church Fathers, all of whom were declared Doctors of the Church in 1298. He is venerated as a saint across multiple Christian traditions, including the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Anglican Communion, and various Lutheran denominations. Ambrose is particularly honored as the patron saint of Milan and beekeepers.