Gervasius and Protasius

Two brothers and protomartyrs of Milan of whom nothing certain is known. When Ambrose was about to consecrate his new church, he discovered (386) the burial place of the two in the Church of Sts. Felix and Nabor. This greatly encouraged the orthodox and discomfited the Arians, for whom Empress Justina was demanding a church in Milan at this time. The remains of the two brothers were intact, but with their heads severed. The protomartyrs were reburied two days later under the altar of the new church. A number of miracles were attributed to them. How Ambrose discovered their burial place is not clear. He says he acted on “a presentiment” (cuiusdam ardor praesagii), but as custodian of the church records his presentiment may have had some basis of knowledge.