THIS IS ORTHODOXY.. NOT THAT.. THE OTHER.. STUFF.
THIS IS ORTHODOXY.. NOT THAT.. THE OTHER.. STUFF..
A Bishop Stands Tall Before the Ruler of the World
Saint Ambrose of Milan Challenges Emperor Theodosius the Great (4th Century AD)
On December 7, the Church commemorates Saint Ambrose, Bishop of Milan (modern-day Milan, Italy) in the 4th century. A brilliant lawyer and just governor of the region, Ambrose was still a catechumen—preparing for baptism—when fate thrust him into ecclesiastical leadership.
When the previous bishop died, fierce disputes erupted between Orthodox Christians and Arians over his successor, nearly sparking riots. As governor, Ambrose intervened to restore peace. His eloquent, wise words calmed the crowd. Suddenly, a child's voice rang out: "Ambrose for bishop!"
The cry spread like wildfire. Orthodox and Arians alike acclaimed him as worthy. Though unbaptized and reluctant, Ambrose could not resist what he saw as God's call. He attempted to flee the city at night on horseback, but by dawn, he found himself back at the church. Accepting divine will, he was baptized and consecrated bishop within days.
As bishop, Ambrose zealously defended the faith amid the Arian heresy plaguing the Church. He shepherded believers, converted countless souls, and protected the weak.
His boldness peaked in confronting Emperor Theodosius the Great. After a riot in Thessalonica killed Roman officials, Theodosius ordered brutal reprisal: troops massacred around 7,000 innocent civilians in 390 AD.
Horrified, Ambrose demanded public repentance. When Theodosius arrived at the cathedral on Christmas Day intending to commune, Ambrose stood at the door in full vestments and barred his entry: "Your hands are stained with blood."
The emperor sought to justify himself: "David sinned too!" Ambrose replied: "You have imitated David in his crime; imitate him now in his repentance."
Theodosius, ruler of the world, accepted an eight-month penance with profound humility. He laid aside his imperial robes, prostrated himself before the congregation, wept publicly, and begged forgiveness.
Even after absolution, Ambrose further humbled him: when Theodosius attempted to enter the sanctuary to receive Communion as emperors customarily did in Constantinople, Ambrose ordered him out: "Go and stand in the place of the laity!" Theodosius obeyed without protest and, upon returning to Constantinople, never again presumed to enter the sanctuary.
Restored to communion, Theodosius enacted laws requiring a 30-day delay before carrying out death sentences to allow for cooler reflection. He also declared Nicene Orthodoxy the official religion of the empire, protecting it from pagans, barbarians, heretics, and other threats.
Ambrose steadfastly resisted early claims of Roman primacy advanced by Pope Damasus, insisting that Rome's "primacy" was one of faith and confession within the Western Church, not of jurisdictional authority over others.
Saint Ambrose reposed in the Lord in 397 in Milan, the city where the Edict of Milan (313 AD) had first granted religious freedom to Christians.
This story illustrates the courage of a bishop who held even the mightiest ruler accountable to God, and the true greatness of an emperor who submitted to repentance. As Ambrose taught: the emperor is within the Church, not above it.
"Yet everyone who does not confess all that belongs to Christ in reality denies Christ." — Saint Ambrose of Milan
