What was St. Ambrose's position in the church before he was elected bishop?

St. Ambrose was initially a civil servant and held the position of governor of the province of Liguria and AEmilia before his election as bishop of Milan. He was not ordained in any clerical capacity prior to this; therefore, the term "catechumen" fits best. A catechumen is someone who is undergoing instruction and preparation for baptism in the Christian faith, typically not yet a member of the church. St. Ambrose's sudden election as bishop occurred after he delivered a speech during a tumultuous election process, despite not having undergone the formal ecclesiastical training that others might have had. His elevation to bishopcy was notable, as it reflects the Church's practice of sometimes selecting individuals who, while they may not have been formally ordained as deacons or priests, were recognized for their leadership qualities and the ability to engage with the faith effectively.