Ambrose of Milan, 340-397
- son of an important government official, was raised and educated to be a civil servant - in the early 370's was appointed the governor of most of northern Italy, with his headquarters at Milan
- when the bishop of Milan died in 374, there was a bitter fight about who would replace him - Ambrose went to the church to quiet the “riot” and a child's voice was heard crying “Bishop Ambrose” - he was immediately elected bishop of Milan, even though he wasn't baptized yet
- was a very practical man and good administrator - was one of the great writers of the Western church (considered one of the Western “doctors” of the church)
- became renowned as a scholar and preacher - supported the Nicene faith and resisted both the Arians and pagans in Italy - was famous for rebuking Theodosius for his slaughter in Thessalonica (and amazed people that he got away with it) - did a lot to develop hymn singing (for example, “Savior of the Nations Come”)
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