Alexander Grenkov, born on November 21 or 23, 1812, in a clerical family in the village of Bolshie Lipovitsy of the Tambov diocese, graduated from a spiritual school and seminary but did not become a priest. He was a private tutor and a teacher at the Lipetsk Spiritual School. After a serious illness, he made a vow to become a monk, but he delayed its fulfillment until his conscience began to torment him. In 1839, on the advice of Elder Hilarion, he arrived at Optina Pustyn, where he was accepted by Elder Leo and soon tonsured into monasticism with the name Ambrose.
Father Ambrose, ordained as a hieromonk, became an assistant to Father Macarius in publishing activities, but soon fell ill, which limited his participation in the liturgy. However, his illness helped him deepen his spiritual life and understanding of human nature. He continued to engage in publishing and became a well-known mentor, possessing a perceptive mind and the ability to read the souls of people.
Elder Ambrose welcomed people from all walks of life, helping them in spiritual and practical matters. He taught that it is beneficial for a monk to be ill, and his advice was simple and memorable. In the last years of his life, he founded a women's monastery in Shamorodino, where he cared for the nuns and those in need.
In 1891, while in Shamorodino, he continued his work until his death on October 10 (22). His body was transferred to Optina Pustyn, where he was buried, and the words of the Apostle Paul were engraved on his tombstone: 'I became weak, that I might gain the weak.' These words reflect the essence of his life's struggle.
