Ambrose of Milan, the bishop who defined Church and State relations in the 4th century
Ambrose of Milan, born in Trier around 333 or 340 CE, emerged as one of the most influential bishops of the 4th century. Coming from the noble Aurelian family, his early life was marked by a solid education in rhetoric and law. Following his father's death, his family relocated to Rome, where Ambrose pursued his studies. He began his career in public administration and eventually became the governor of Milan around 370 CE.
Mosaic of Saint Ambrose in Milan in the sacello of San Vittore (circa 378) near to the basilica of the saint, probably a portrait of the bishop
His rise to ecclesiastical prominence was unexpected. Following the death of the Arian bishop of Milan, there was intense conflict in the city over whether the new bishop would be a Catholic or Arian. Ambrose intervened to calm the unrest, and his ability to restore order led both factions to agree on him as the new bishop, despite the fact that he was not yet baptized. He was quickly baptized and consecrated as bishop in 374 CE, and immediately dedicated himself to the study of scripture and the teachings of the Greek Church fathers.
As a bishop, Ambrose was a significant figure both in religious and political spheres. He famously converted and baptized Augustine of Hippo, one of Christianity’s most important theologians, during Easter in 387 CE. Ambrose's influence extended into the political realm, where he consistently defended the independence and authority of the Church against the Roman emperors, including Gratian, Maximus, Valentinian II, and Theodosius I.
Ambrose was known for his strong stance against both Arianism and paganism. He successfully blocked the restoration of the Altar of Victory in the Roman Senate, a symbol of pagan belief, during a confrontation with the Roman official Symmachus. Ambrose also opposed Arianism by refusing to surrender church properties to its followers, a stance that was considered divinely validated when the remains of martyrs were discovered in the church at the time.
One of Ambrose’s most defining moments was his confrontation with Emperor Theodosius I. In 390 CE, after the massacre of innocent people in Thessalonica ordered by the emperor, Ambrose famously denied Theodosius entry to the church until he performed public penance. This act symbolized Ambrose's belief that even the emperor was subject to the Church's authority, setting a precedent for the medieval idea that kings and rulers were under the moral guidance of the Church.
Ambrose's contributions to Christian theology and the Church were significant. His deep understanding of Greek allowed him to introduce Eastern theological ideas into the Western Church. He wrote extensively on various topics, including hymns, theological treatises, letters, and commentaries on scripture. Ambrose also played a crucial role in developing liturgical music and was a strong advocate for the monastic life in northern Italy.
In his iconography, Ambrose is often depicted with symbols like a book, representing his status as a Doctor of the Church, and a beehive, which symbolizes his eloquence and refers to a legend that bees placed honey on his lips as a child, foretelling his future as a great orator. He is also sometimes shown with a whip, symbolizing the penance he imposed on Emperor Theodosius.
Ambrose's legacy as a theologian, moralist, and ecclesiastical leader remains influential, particularly in the way he defined the relationship between the Church and state, emphasizing that secular power should be subordinate to religious authority.
Last update: October 9, 2024
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