Hierarch
Ambrose of Milan
Saint Ambrose, Bishop of Milan
New Calendar December 7 Old Calendar December 20
Why they are a saint
As Bishop of Milan, Ambrose of Milan is numbered with the saints of the Church. Ambrose of Milan was a Roman theologian and statesman who served as Bishop of Milan from 374 to 397. The faithful ask his prayers as they do of the bishops who shepherded the Church.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Life
Saint Ambrose was born in 340 into the family of the Roman prefect of Gaul and was educated in Rome. About 370 he became governor of Liguria and Aemilia, living at Milan. In 374, when the Orthodox and Arians disputed over a new bishop, he went to the church to keep the peace, and a child cried out, 'Ambrose for bishop!' The people took up the cry, and though still a catechumen and unwilling, he was made Bishop of Milan.
He defended Orthodoxy against the Arians, refusing to hand over the basilica of Milan to them in 385-386, and his preaching led Saint Augustine to Baptism in 387. He introduced antiphonal singing in the Eastern manner into the Western Church, and composed hymns; the 'Te Deum' is attributed to him. He reposed on the night of Holy Pascha and was buried beneath the altar of the Ambrosian basilica in Milan.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source names no specific patronage.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Ambrose of Milan as a patron when they bear the name Ambrose at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on December 7. As a bishop, he is also remembered by clergy and those who serve the Church.
Prayer
O holy Ambrose of Milan, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.