Melito of Sardis was a Christian bishop and writer in the 2nd century CE, during the Roman Empire. He led the church in Sardis, a city in western Asia Minor, under the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. He is known as an early defender, or apologist, of the Christian faith.

Melito was a prolific author, but most of his works are now lost. His most significant surviving text is a sermon titled On the Passover, which explores the connection between the Jewish Passover and the Christian story of Jesus's death and resurrection. Another important work, his Apology (or Embassy) addressed to Emperor Marcus Aurelius, survives only in fragments. In it, he argues that Christianity benefited the Roman Empire and protests against local persecutions of Christians. According to ancient sources, Melito also produced a list of Old Testament books, which provides early evidence for discussions about the biblical canon.

Melito's historical importance is multifaceted. Scholars view his Apology as a key document for understanding the relationship between early Christian communities and Roman authorities. His sermon On the Passover is a crucial source for studying early Christian worship and interpretive methods. Furthermore, he was a Quartodeciman, meaning his church celebrated Easter on the same date as the Jewish Passover. This practice highlights the diversity of ritual and thought within early Christianity.