Melitius of Lycopolis

Melitius or Meletius (died 327) was bishop of Lycopolis in Egypt. He is known mainly as the founder and namesake of the Melitians (c. 305), one of several schismatic sects in early church history which were concerned about the ease with which lapsed Christians re-entered the Church.

The details of his life are not clear, as there are conflicting accounts of it. According to one version, he was imprisoned for his Christianity during the persecution under Diocletian, along with Peter of Alexandria.

The supporters that Melitius drew around him included 28 other bishops, at least some of whom he personally ordained, and the objections against him included that he ordained people in regions in which he lacked authority. His group went by the name Church of the Martyrs and inherently objected to the reacceptance by other bishops of people who chose to avoid the risk of martyrdom. Melitius' influence extended into Palestine.

It is believed by some that Melitius ordained Arius, known for the Arian controversy, as a priest. Scholarly opinions are divided on whether that is the case.

The Council of Nicaea in 325 attempted to create peace with the Melitians. Melitius was allowed to remain bishop of Lycopolis Melitius's death followed in 327, and he was succeeded as leader by his handpicked successor, John Arkhaph. The effort to bring unity proved unsuccessful. His followers sided with the Arians in their controversy and existed as a separate sect until the 5th century.