Melissa (Melissae or Melitine or Melitinḗ or Melitina; 28 February, 126 – 16 September, 157) was a virgin and martyr in 2nd-century Christian traditions, venerated as a saint. According to legend, she was a missionary and nun from the Hispania and lived in Marcianople with the mission of evangelizing other peoples. At the same time, Thrace, the region in which the city was located, was controlled by governor Antiochus. She was martyred by him during the persecution of Emperor Antoninus Pius. Her liturgical feast is celebrated on 16 September .