Ambrose of Milan

Archbishop of Milan, one of the four great Latin Fathers.

St. Ambrose was Archbishop of Milan in the fourth century and one of the great Fathers of the Western Church. Governor of the region when a disputed episcopal election threatened the city with strife, he was acclaimed bishop by the people while still a catechumen; he gave his wealth to the poor, defended the Nicene faith against Arianism, and did not fear to call even emperors to repentance. His preaching helped bring Blessed Augustine to conversion.

A teacher and hymnographer whose writings nourished East and West alike, he reposed in peace. He is commemorated on December 7.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Ambrose of Milan is commemorated on December 7. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on December 20 of the civil calendar.

Who celebrates a name day

People with these names keep their name day on this feast:

Amvrosios, Ambrose, Ambrogio

Also commemorated on December 7

• Athenodorus of Mesopotamia

  Martyr, Αθηνόδωρος

  Holy Martyr Athenodorus of Mesopotamia.

  Name days: Athinodoros, Athenodorus

• Gerasimos of Euripos

  Venerable, Γεράσιμος ο εξ Ευρίπου

  Venerable Gerasimos from Euripos in Euboea.

• Gregory of Grigoriou

  Venerable, Γρηγόριος ο Σιναΐτης ο Ειρηνικός

  Venerable Gregory, founder of the Monastery of Grigoriou on Mount Athos.

• Philothea of Arges

  Holy Woman, Φιλοθέη του Άρτζες

  Holy Philothea of Thrace, protectress of Romania.

• Ammoun of Nitria

  Venerable, Αμμούν ο της Νιτρίας

  Venerable Ammoun, founder of monastic life in the desert of Nitria.

• Paul the Obedient

  Venerable, Παύλος ο Υποτακτικός

  Venerable Paul the Obedient.

Icon: public domain image from Wikimedia Commons.