Saint Polycarp of Smyrna

c. 69–155 · 2nd c. · 1 work

Polycarp of Smyrna (c. 69–155) was an Apostolic Father, bishop of Smyrna in Asia Minor, and a martyr. A historical link between the apostolic age and the later patristic Church, he is said to have been a disciple of the Apostle John.

He guided the church of Smyrna through a long episcopate marked by pastoral zeal and the defense of apostolic tradition, opposing heretical movements of his day. Late in life he traveled to Rome to confer with Bishop Anicetus over the disputed date for celebrating Pascha; the two could not agree but parted in peace, each keeping his own practice.

His one surviving writing is the Letter to the Philippians, among the earliest texts to quote various New Testament writings. The account of his death, the Martyrdom of Polycarp, written as a letter from the church of Smyrna, stands among the earliest authentic Christian martyr-acts.

He was martyred at Smyrna about the year 155: condemned to be burned, and, when the flames did not consume him, stabbed with a dagger. He is venerated as a hieromartyr, and the Orthodox Church commemorates him on 23 February.

Sources: Orthodox Church in America — Hieromartyr Polycarp of Smyrna · Encyclopædia Britannica — St. Polycarp