The Church commemorates Saint Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, and Martyr Athenodorus.
Saint Ambrose was a senator and a distinguished Roman citizen. He was born in D 340. He studied rhetoric, philosophy, and law. He studied theology with Athanasius the Great when the Alexandrian hierarch was exiled to Trevira, France, because of his firm Orthodox belief. In Mediolanum (modern-day Milan) Saint Ambrose became an excellent and fair judge.
When he became acquainted with the Holy Gospel and was baptized a Christian, his spiritual development and desire to serve God and people with humility and devotion helped him to join the sacred clergy and even reach the top ministry of the diocese of Milan.
Saint Ambrose was an excellent shepherd of the faithful and fought vigorously against the heresies of Arius, Sabellius, and Eunomius. When Emperor Theodosius wanted to enter the Church of Mediolanum, after the Massacre of Thessalonica for which he was responsible, Ambrosios, Saint Ambrose had the courage not to allow him to enter the church, except when he sincerely and practically repented.
Through his work and personality, Saint Ambrose teaches throughout the time that the episcopal office is a ministry of offering and diligence of people with the aim of their salvation and union with Jesus Christ and the preservation of the true Faith. The bishop must show the way of light and oppose lies, injustice, and intrigue with wisdom, love, and discretion.
Source: Church of Cyprus
