Massacre at Thessalonica

Massacre at Thessalonica Thessalonica ●​ A large and populous city in Macedonia. ●​ Served as the capital of Thessaly, Achaia, and other provinces. ●​ Governed by the prefect of Illyricum. The Massacre ●​ A violent sedition arose in the city. ○​ Magistrates were stoned and attacked. ●​ Emperor Theodosius reacted with unchecked anger. ○​ Allowed his rage to dictate his response. ○​ Did not conduct trials or issue formal condemnations. ●​ Innocent and guilty - killed indiscriminately. ○​ 7,000 perished. Ambrose’s Response ●​ News of the massacre reached Bishop Ambrose in Milan. ●​ When Theodosius arrived at Milan’s church: ○​ Ambrose met him outside and forbade his entry. ○​ Warned Theodosius about the gravity of his sin. ○​ Stated that imperial power should not cloud moral judgment. Theodosius’ Repentance and Reconciliation ●​ Theodosius attempted to enter the church again. ○​ Ambrose confronted him at the entrance. ●​ Ambrose set a condition for reconciliation: ○​ Theodosius must issue an edict delaying death sentences for 30 days. ○​ This would allow time for reasoned judgment rather than emotional retaliation. ●​ Theodosius accepted and immediately issued the edict. ○​ Ambrose then allowed him back into the church. Theodosius’ Humility in the Church ●​ Theodosius entered the church with deep remorse. ●​ During the Eucharist: ○​ Theodosius remained within the sanctuary. ○​ Ambrose corrected him again, stating that only priests could enter. ○​ Theodosius accepted the correction and left the area. ●​ After returning to Constantinople: ○​ Theodosius continued to follow the lessons learned from Ambrose. ○​ He later stated that only Ambrose truly deserved the title of bishop. Point-form Notes on Ambrose's Letter 51 to Theodosius Opening Remarks ●​ Ambrose recalls his friendship with Theodosius. ○​ Acknowledges past kindnesses shown by Theodosius. ●​ Explains why he did not meet Theodosius upon his return to Milan. ○​ Felt his right to speak freely was restricted. ○​ Concerned about imperial decrees leading to bloodshed. Ambrose’s Moral Obligation ●​ Ambrose could not remain silent about injustice. ○​ Refers to biblical teaching: priests must warn those who err. ●​ Acknowledges Theodosius’ faith and fear of God. ○​ Warns him about his natural vehemence. ○​ Urges him to control his anger with piety. The Massacre at Thessalonica ●​ Ambrose condemns the massacre. ○​ Notes that bishops universally lamented the event. ○​ States that even Theodosius revoked the order too late. ●​ Emphasizes that repentance is necessary. ○​ Compares Theodosius to King David. ○​ Cites how David repented after being confronted by the prophet Nathan. Refusal to Offer the Eucharist ●​ Ambrose states that he cannot offer the Eucharist in Theodosius' presence. ○​ Even shedding one innocent person's blood is enough to warrant exclusion. ○​ Theodosius must atone before participating in the sacrament. ●​ Recounts a vision: ○​ In the vision, Ambrose saw Theodosius attempting to enter the church. ○​ He was divinely forbidden from offering the sacrifice in Theodosius’ presence. Final Warnings and Advice ●​ Urges Theodosius to recognize God’s warnings through signs and prophecy. ●​ Advises him not to justify his actions but to seek genuine forgiveness. ○​ "I prefer mercy rather than sacrifice." ●​ Encourages Theodosius to follow the examples of other biblical kings. ○​ Repentance is a sign of strength, not weakness. ●​ Concludes with a prayer for Theodosius. ○​ Expresses loyalty and hope for Theodosius' redemption. ○​ Wishes him and his family peace and prosperity.