Saint Ambrose of Milan

Governor, Bishop, and Defender of Orthodoxy in Milan

Known for his stance against heresy, composing hymns, and developing liturgy, Ambrose's position as a Roman statesman is less discussed. He was governor of a large part of modern-day northern Italy, when the people of Milan elected him bishop. And this discussion point needs highlighting: bishops were not always appointed by clergy; rather, for centuries upon centuries, they were elected and called from among the people.  Below ia a sample of his chants, a summaries of his sermons and letters, and the marvelous Ambrosian liturgy.  Also included below is a link to more of about Ambrose, who was of Greek descent, and his interactions with Augustine of Hippo. 

Photo credit: Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=101915195. Basilica of Saint Ambrose

Header image: Rubens, Peter Paul, and Anthony van Dyck. Saint Ambrose and Emperor Theodosius. c. 1615–1616. Oil on canvas. Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna. Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Peter_Paul_Rubens_139.jpg.