A portrait of St. Melito of Sardis
St. Melito of Sardis
d. c. 180
Feast
April 1 · II c.
Patron of
Apologists · Bishops · Writers
Order
Bishop / Apologist
Bishop of Sardis (d. c. 180), early Greek apologist whose "Peri Pascha" ("On the Pascha") is the oldest surviving Christian Easter homily; author of an Apology to Marcus Aurelius and the first known Christian list of the Old Testament canon. Pre-Congregation.
Life & Times
Died: c. 180 · From: Sardis / Asia Minor.
Patronage
St. Melito of Sardis is invoked as the patron of apologists, bishops, writers. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“He who hung the earth is hanging; he who fixed the heavens has been fixed; he who fastened all things has been fastened to the wood.”— Peri Pascha (On the Pascha), §96 — second-century Paschal homily.
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Melito of Sardis, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.