Melitian schism (Egypt)
c. 305–8th c.
attested. Attested by Athanasius (hostile), Epiphanius (more sympathetic) and papyri (insider documents).
Melitius of Lycopolis ordained clergy in other sees while Bishop Peter of Alexandria hid during persecution. He then formed a 'Church of the Martyrs' that was stricter on the lapsed. The Melitians later allied with Arius' supporters against Athanasius.
Sides
Melitian
Leaders: Melitius of Lycopolis, John Arkaph
Rigorist penance. Authority of confessors.
Alexandrian patriarchate
Leaders: Peter I, Alexander, Athanasius
Episcopal order under the Alexandrian see.
Councils and places
- Lycopolis: see of Melitius 4th–5th
- First Council of Nicaea (325) · Nicaea 4th
- Synod of Tyre (335) · Tyre 4th
Outcome
Nicaea allowed Melitius to keep his title but not to ordain, and his clergy were to rank below Catholic clergy. The truce broke down, and Melitian accusers helped depose Athanasius at Tyre (335).
What happened to the losers
Melitian monasteries survived for centuries. Papyri (e.g. the Paieous archive, 330s) and Theodoret attest them, and the last references are in the 8th century.