St. Pachomius Library

St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan

IV Century
Theologian and hymnographer who played a key role in the defeat of Arianism and Neo-Paganism in the West. In the course of this struggle, he upheld the independence of the Church from imperial control, confronting the emperors Theodosius and Eugene, among others, on numerous controversial issues. Although St. Augustine was his disciple, Ambrose' theology was far more conservative than Augustine's and essentially identical to that of the Cappadocian Fathers.

ABOUT:
- Ivor J. Davidson: Ambrose of Milan. --- ECOLE
WORKS: General:
- Selected Prayers: --- Christian Platonist Page
- Exposition of the Christian Faith: De Romestin translation, 1896. --- CCEL
- On the Holy Spirit: De Romestin translation, 1896. --- CCEL
- On the Mysteries: --- CCEL
- On Repentence: --- CCEL
- On the Duties of the Clergy: De Romestin translation, 1896. --- CCEL
  - Ivor J. Davidson: Ambrose's "De Officiis". Introduction with long bibliography. --- ECOLE
- On Virgins, to Marcellina his Sister: --- CCEL
- On Widows: --- CCEL
- Sixty-Third Epistle (To the Church at Vercellæ): Describes the ideal ways of life for clergy, monks, and ordinary parishoners; also argues against some ex-monks who, under the influence of Epicurean philosophy but without really understanding Epicurus, were saying that fasting and continence are unnecessary. --- CCEL
- On the Death of his Brother Satyrus, and on Belief in the Resurrection: De Romestin translation, 1896. --- CCEL
- Twenty-Second Epistle (To Marcellina): Relates his discovery of the relics of Saints Gervase and Protase. --- CCEL
WORKS: Arian Controversy and Conflicts with Government
- Against Auxentius: Sermon justifying Ambrose's refusal to turn over Orthodox church property to the state-supported Arian Church. De Romestin translation, 1896. --- CCEL
- Seventeenth Epistle: Opposing the desire of Symmachus to reinstall a pagan altar in the Senate building. --- CCEL
- Eighteenth Epistle (Reply to the Memorial of Symmachus): Refutes the argument of Symmachus that abandoning paganism is a threat to Rome's security. De Romestin translation, 1896. --- CCEL
- Twentieth Epistle (To his Sister Marcellina): Narrates the story of his opposition to the construction of an Arian basilica in Milan. --- CCEL
- Twenty-First Epistle: Argues that only clerics have the right the right to judge in ecclesiastical cases. De Romestin translation, 1896. --- CCEL
- Fortieth Epistle (To the Emperor Theodosius): Argues that a synagogue burnt by order of an Eastern bishop should not be rebuilt at Church expense. --- CCEL
- Forty-First Epistle (To his Sister Marcellina): Narrates how he handled the matter of the burnt synagogue. --- CCEL
- Fifty-First Epistle (To the Emperor Theodosius): Demands the Emperor repent for ordering a massacre in Thessalonica. De Romestin translation, 1896. --- CCEL
- Fifty-Seventh Epistle (To the Emperor Eugene): Criticizes Eugene's tolerance of paganism. --- CCEL
- Sixty-First Epistle (To the Emperor Theodosius): Congratulating him on his victory over Eugene, and urging mercy for the vanquished. --- CCEL
- Sixty-Second Epistle (To Theodosius): Urges clemency for followers of the defeated Eugene who sought refuge in churches; this helps to establish the right of sanctuary. --- CCEL

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