In 390 Emperor Theodosius authorized a shocking massacre in Thessalonica. In reply Bishop Ambrose of Milan addressed an extraordinary letter to the emperor, insisting that he do penance and barring him from communion until he had received absolution:
Conversation
“What has been done at Thessalonica is unparalleled in the memory of man...You are human and temptation has overtaken you. Overcome it. I counsel, I beseech, I implore you to penance. The devil wished to wrest from you the crown of piety ... Drive him from you while you can.”