Saint Melania the Younger, born in 388, was the granddaughter of Saint Melania the Elder. Her father, Publicola, was an Eparch of Rome. She was married and had two children whom she lost at a young age. After this, she and her husband decided to live a life of abstinence and chastity. Along with her mother Albina, she went to Africa.
In Africa, they ransomed 8,000 captives and founded two monasteries in the city of Tagaste, one for men and one for women. After seven years, they moved to Jerusalem. Melania then secluded herself in a hermitage near the Mount of Olives, devoting herself to fasting and prayer until her death in 434.
Due to the Apodosis of the Feast of the Nativity on the 31st of this month, the hymns of Saint Melania the Younger are celebrated on December 30th along with the Martyr Anysia.