Ambrose of Alexandria
Ambrose of Alexandria was a friend and companion of the Christian theologian Origen, known for his wealth, education, and scholarly tastes. He was instrumental in encouraging Origen's prolific writing career and provided him with resources for his studies. Ambrose is venerated as a saint and is remembered as a confessor who suffered during a persecution.
- Feast Day
- 17 March
- Century
- 3rd century
- Country Or Region
- Egypt
Key Facts
- ›Ambrose visited the Catechetical School of Alexandria in 212.
- ›He was initially a gnostic Valentinian and Marcionist before embracing Origen's teachings.
- ›Ambrose was ordained a deacon and served as Origen's constant companion.
- ›He urged Origen to write his commentaries on the Bible and provided financial and practical support.
- ›All of Origen's works written after 218 are dedicated to Ambrose.
- ›Ambrose suffered during the persecution under Emperor Maximinus Thrax in 235 and died a confessor.
About Ambrose of Alexandria
Ambrose of Alexandria (before 212 – c. 250) was a significant figure in early Christian intellectual circles, primarily known for his close friendship and patronage of the renowned theologian Origen.
Life and Historical Context
Attracted by Origen's reputation as a teacher, Ambrose visited the Catechetical School of Alexandria in 212. Initially adhering to Gnostic teachings, specifically Valentinian and Marcionist theology, Ambrose underwent a theological transformation through Origen's instruction. This led him to abandon his previous beliefs and become Origen's devoted companion. He was later ordained as a deacon.
Ambrose played a crucial role in facilitating Origen's prolific literary output. He would engage Origen with questions and encouraged him to undertake his extensive commentaries on the books of the Bible, famously referring to Origen as an "ἐργοδιώκτης" (a diligent worker or overseer) in his writings. As a wealthy nobleman and courtier, Ambrose provided Origen with essential resources, including books for his studies and secretaries to assist with the demanding task of composition. Origen frequently spoke of Ambrose with affection, recognizing him as a man of considerable education with refined literary and scholarly tastes.
Major Contributions and Relationships
All of Origen's literary works produced after 218 were dedicated to Ambrose, underscoring the depth of their intellectual and personal bond. These dedicated works include significant theological treatises such as 'Contra Celsum', the 'Commentary on St. John's Gospel', and 'On Prayer'. While Ambrose's own letters to Origen are lost, they were praised by Jerome, and a fragment of one letter survives.
Ambrose's life was marked by hardship during the persecution instigated by the Roman emperor Maximinus Thrax in 235. This period of intense pressure prompted Origen to write his 'Exhortation to Martyrdom,' which was addressed to Ambrose and a priest named Protoctetus from Caesarea. Following this ordeal, Ambrose was released and subsequently died as a confessor, meaning he suffered for his faith without being martyred. The final historical mention of Ambrose appears in Origen's 'Contra Celsum,' a work written at Ambrose's request.
Veneration
Ambrose is recognized and venerated as a saint within certain Christian traditions. His feast day is commemorated in the Catholic Church on March 17th.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ambrose of Alexandria?
Ambrose of Alexandria was a friend and companion of the Christian theologian Origen. He was a man of education with excellent literary and scholarly tastes, and a wealthy nobleman and courtier.
What was Ambrose's relationship with Origen?
Ambrose was deeply influenced by Origen's teachings, eventually rejecting his former gnostic theology. He became Origen's constant companion, urging him to write his biblical commentaries and providing him with books and secretaries. All of Origen's works written after 218 are dedicated to Ambrose.
Did Ambrose suffer during persecution?
Yes, Ambrose suffered during the persecution under the Roman emperor Maximinus Thrax in 235. This event led Origen to write his Exhortation to Martyrdom, addressed to Ambrose and another priest.
How is Ambrose venerated?
Ambrose is venerated as a saint by some branches of Christianity. He died a confessor, and his feast day in the Catholic Church is celebrated on March 17.
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