St. Ambrose
Christian High School
The Chi Rho
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In Greek, the Chi and Rho are the first
2 letters of the name “Christ”. The earliest
Christians used this symbol, combined with
the Greek letters Alpha and Omega to
symbolize Christ. Alpha and Omega, of
course, symbolize that Christ is the
beginning and the end of everything. Because
of persecution, these symbols can be found
embedded in early Christian art to express
their Christianity. On the St. Ambrose
crest, the Chi Rho underlies our crest as
Christ underlies our entire purpose. |
The Pelican
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Medieval Christians used the pelican as
a symbol of love, charity, and piety.
Because of the preening habits of the
pelican, it was believed that she would
pierce her chest with her bill and use her
own blood to nourish her young (as seen in
this medieval rendition). On the St. Ambrose
crest, we use the pelican to represent the
self-sacrificing Christian virtue that we
seek to instill in our graduates. |
Colors
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In ancient Rome, public servants wore
blue. As our students develop their
character in a self-centered world, we want
them to be mindful that they are first and
foremost servants. First, servants of
Christ. Secondly, servants of their fellow
man. In contrast with modern thinking, the
Christian Worldview is one that does not ask
"what's in it for me", but rather asks "how
can I help?"
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St. Ambrose
(339-397AD)- Bishop of Milan. Ambrose was a classically educated
political leader who did not believe himself
qualified for a clerical position because he lacked
religious training. Even so, Ambrose took strong
doctrinal stands against the heresies of the time.
Ambrose’s most notable action was to excommunicate
Theodocius, the emperor of Rome, after he killed
over 7000 civilians for the murder of a Roman
General. This action brought Theodocius to
repentance and is credited as a turning point of
Christian influence on the culture. This integration
of faith with the culture demonstrates the power of
a Christian worldview, which makes Ambrose a
powerful symbol for our school. Ambrose was also
classically educated and influenced St. Augustine,
one of the fathers of Christian doctrine.
The Archer
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The Archer is the St. Ambrose school
mascot. Below are the colors and the sports
uniform logos. |
Foundations Academy
The Foundations Academy crest was designed to
represent the philosophy of the Academy.
On the right side
of the crest are three Greek characters. The
bottom, “foundation” character (Gamma) represents
the Greek word for Grammar (Gramma)—the first phase
of the Trivium.
The middle character
(in green) represents Logos, the Greek word
representing “reason” or “logic”—the second phase of
the Trivium.
The top character represents the Greek word dialogizomai which means to bring together different
reasons (the Rhetorical phase)—the third phase of
the Trivium. The phases are ordered with each
building upon the prior. Grammar provides the
foundation knowledge required to establish logic.
Logic, in turn, is used as a tool in rhetoric.
On the left side of the crest,
an ancient pillar represents the Academy’s goal of
providing a solid foundation for its students. From
the base of the foundation grows a vine which
represents the growth of the student. The vine
entangles the crest, representing the integrated
nature of classical education.
Behind the shield,
a shepherd’s staff displays the underlying
commitment to Jesus Christ, without which the
Academy would sink to the wisdom of men.
Finally, the banner crossing the lower crest
displays the school’s motto: Soli Deo Gloria—To the
Glory of God Alone.
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