Saint Ambrose, Bishop of Mediolansus (Milan)

 Saint Ambrose, Bishop of Mediolansus (Milan)

Commemorated on December 7

The judgement of the Lord is never hypocritical. In His own time, He judges everything righteously, and will reward everyone according to his deeds. Our main endeavor, as long as we remain in this life, is to endure everything, to humble ourselves, and to implore the Lord for His help and His mercy, and all will be well.

by Saint Nikolai Velimirovič

 This great holy father of the Orthodox Church was of eminent birth. His father was the imperial deputy of Gaul and Spain and was a pagan by faith, but his mother was a Christian. While he was still in the cradle, a swarm of bees settled on him, poured honey onto his lips, and flew away. And while still a child, he extended his hand and spoke prophetically: “Kiss it, for I will be a bishop.” After his father’s death, the emperor appointed him as his representative in the province of Liguria, of which Milan was the chief city. When the bishop of Milan died, a great dispute arose between the Orthodox Christians and the Arian heretics concerning the election of a new bishop. Ambrose entered the church to maintain order, this being his duty. At that moment, a child at its mother’s bosom exclaimed: “Ambrose for bishop!” All the people took this as the voice of God, and unanimously elected Ambrose as their bishop, contrary to his will. Ambrose was baptized, passed through all the necessary ranks and was consecrated to the episcopacy, all within a week.