----- Original Message -----
From: "Richard E Leber" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2000 6:34 PM
Subject: Saint Ambrose Day


> Help Ya'll
> Can anyone supply a resource for additional information on St. Ambrose,
> patron saint of beekeeping and candle making?
> Rick & Nancy Leber
> Beekeeping & Honey Production Since 1987
> Mobile, 'Sweet Home Alabama'
> [log in to unmask]

Below is some more information on St. Ambrose.
I hope this helps.
+ Fr. Athanasios

"St Ambrose, Bishop of Mediolanum (Milan).
This great Father of the Orthodox Church was of eminent parentage. His
father was the imperial governor of Gaul and Spain, and a pagan, while his
mother was a Christian. While he was still in his cradle, a swarm of bees
once settled on him, left some honey on his lips and flew off; and, while
still a child, he thrust out his hand and said prophetically: 'Kiss it, for
I shall be a bishop!' On the death of his father, the Emperor made him
governor of Liguria, of which province Milan was the chief city. When the
bishop of Milan died, there was great dissention between the Orthodox
Christians and the heretical Arians about the choice of a new bishop.
Ambrose went into the church to keep order, this being his responsibility.
Thereupon, a child at its mother's breast cried out: 'Ambrose for bishop!'
All the people took this to be the voice of God, and unanimously elected
Ambrose as their bishop, although it was against his will. Ambrose was
baptised, and passed through all the necessary ranks in one week, and was
consecrated bishop. In this capacity, he strengthened the faith of the
Orthodox, restrained heretics, adorned churches, spread the Faith among the
pagans, wrote many instructive books and was an example of a true Christian
and a true shepherd. He also composed the Te Deum, the great hymn of
thanksgiving. This renowned hierarch, who was visited by people from distant
lands for his wisdom and gracious words, was very austere in his personal
life, being no stranger to toil and full of good works. He slept little,
worked and prayed constantly and fasted every day except Saturday and
Sunday. God therefore permitted him to witness many of His wonders, and to
perform many himself He discovered the relics of Ss Protasius, Gervasius,
Nazarius and Celsus (see Oct. 14th). Humble before lesser men, he was
fearless before the great. He reproached the Empress Justina for heresy,
cursed Maximus for tyranny and murder and forbade the Emperor Theodosius to
enter a church until he had repented of his sin. He refused to meet the
powerful Eugenius, the self-styled Emperor. God granted this man, who was so
pleasing to Him, such grace that he could raise the dead, drive demons from
men, heal the sick of every ailment and see into the future. He died
peacefully at daybreak on Easter Day in the year 397."