Pope Melchiades ruled the Church at the close of the era of Persecutions. St. Augustine styled him “a true son of peace and a true father of Christians.” He died January 10, 314, having sat as Pope two years, six months and eight days. In some calendars he is called a martyr, doubtless on account of his sufferings in times of persecution.

(Source: The New Roman Missal, Rev. F. X. Lasance)