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dare to hope

AMBROSE, THE ACCIDENTAL BISHOP

12/8/2020

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by: The Reverend Mary McCue
Picture
While serving as governor of Aemilia-Liguria in Italy, he went to quell a dispute over who should be Bishop between religious factions. A cry went up in theassembly (some legends say it was from a child), “Ambrose, Bishop, Ambrose, Bishop.” Acclaimed by all factions, he refused. After days of prayer and persuasion, though, he agreed to be baptized, ordained and installed as Bishop of Milan in 374. 

He then began to study theology, aided by the excellent education he’d received that enabled him to be named governor, including the study of Greek. His knowledge of Greek stood him well as he studied theology, and began to preach. He became renowned for his preaching, and for his ability to be flexible in tolerating other religions, including Arianism (which claimed that the Son was subordinate to the Father). His ability to tolerate other customs led some to believe that he originated the philosophy of “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” – an extremely flexible view for that time.

Ambrose became known for his purity, sympathy, energy and devotion to the
Word of God. An accomplished musician, he gave us the gift of the antiphon, which we have enjoyed so many times in our own church. He is one of themost influential figures in the Church of that day, styled as one of the four traditional Doctors of the Church. (The others are Augustine, Jerome and Gregory the Great.)

Devotion to God – a gift to us on this, Ambrose’s feast day.
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    authors

    The Rev. Charles Hoffacker is a retired priest of the Diocese of Washington
    who lives in Greenbelt, Maryland. He and his wife Helena Mirtova are members of Ascension and St. Agnes.

    The Rev. Mary McCue, is a vocational deacon and currently ministers at Church of the Ascension and St. Agnes.
    ​
    The Rev. Dominique Peridans is the Rector of Church of the Ascension and St. Agnes. 

    Molly Jane Layton is a seminarian intern at Ascension and St. Agnes. 

    Zach Baker Rodes is a seminarian intern at Ascension and St. Agnes.

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  • Welcome
    • Newcomers >
      • Letter to Inquirers
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • How to Find Us
    • Childcare
  • Who We Are
    • Our Beliefs >
      • Statements of Mission, Vision, Beliefs & Value
      • What is an Anglo-Catholic?
      • Apolitical or Supra Political?
    • Our History
    • Our Leadership >
      • Parish Staff
      • Vestry
  • Worship
    • About our Worship >
      • Attending Mass
      • Music
    • Upcoming Celebrants and Preachers
  • Formation
    • About Formation
    • Adult Formation >
      • Adult Theology Upcoming
      • Adult Theology Archive >
        • Knowing Christ
    • Sermons
  • Connect
    • Contact us
    • Newsletter
    • Rector's Weekly Letter
    • Pastoral Care >
      • Pastoral Offices >
        • Reconciliation (Confession)
      • Prayer Requests
    • Stewardship >
      • Stewardship Letter
      • Givelify Instructions
      • Planned Giving
      • Endowment Fund
  • Calendar
  • Baptism
  • Outreach
  • Feasibility Study
  • Newsletter Sign Up