Saint Ambrose of Milan: Life, Hymns & Conflict with Empire

Noble Origins and Early Career of Saint Ambrose

Ambrose of Milan was born in the 330s ( for reference, just as the capitol of The Empire was moving East at Constantine's command). His forefathers included Christian martyrs, as well as noble statesmen. But it was the generation just before his own that his family reached the heights of Roman government : his father was Prefect ( Governor) of France, Spain,  Britain, and a portion of North Africa. 

His sister was a nun, who was also a Consecrated Virgin. She was 19 years his elder, and inspired Ambrose greatly. He mastered Greek studies as well as secular Law. Ambrose was known to be considerate and compassionate as a Roman statesman. At the time of Ambrose's civil appointment, the Arians ruled theological and ecclesiastical occurrences in Northern Italy, as referenced by our previous discussions of Ravenna. 

The Unlikely Episcopal Election of 374 AD

The Arian bishop of Milan died in 374, and the emperor required an election, as usual, although Valentinian had received  requests to make an imperial appointment. Ambrose spoke in front of the clergy and laity at the cathedral in Milan. The Milanese were so impressed by his welcoming and easy tone, that they elected him on the spot. Valentinian affirmed Ambrose's election.  Although his believe in the Nicaean Creed was strong, he was yet a catechumen at the time of his election to the episcopacy. Thus, in the Winter of 374 he was Baptized, and the 8 days later made a bishop. 

Liturgical Hymns, the Ambrosian Rite & Confronting Emperor Theodosius

Ambrose, like Gregory the Great,  wrote beautiful hymns for the liturgy.  Below is his "Aeterna Rerum Conditor", " Eternal Maker of All Things." Indeed, "The Ambrosian Rite" developed out of his work, and quickly spread to Gaul and Spain.  His episcopacy is also noted certainly by his defense of orthodoxy against the Arians, but also by a correction of the great emperor Theodosius. The emperor moved his court several times during his reign, first away from Constantinople to Thessaloniki and then to Milan. While the court was at Thessaloniki, although Theodosius was away, a horrible massacre of locals occurred by Roman forces. Ambrose did not allow Theodosius into communion for a considerable time. Below is a famous depiction of this event. Anthony van Dyck painted this artwork in 1619.