TODAY'S SAINT (Melito)

MELITO

(d. ca. 180)
Bishop of Sardis, Father of the Church

 

 

Few facts are known about the life of Melito. He was regarded in his day as one of the leading authoities in the Eastern Church. St. Eusebius praised him, Teretullian wrote favorably of him and St. Jerome noted that he was a  highly respected prophet. Melito taught the dual nature of Jesus. He became bishop of Sardis, died there and was buried there.

     Almost all of Melito's works have been lost. Eusebius gave account of most of them, along with some extracts. Best known is his  An Apology for the Christian Faith written for Emperor Marcus Aurelius.

 

     Feast: April 1