Bishop, Martyr, and Apostolic Father
Born: c. 69 A.D.
Died: c. 155–156 A.D.
Patronage: against earaches; dysentery; Smyrna
✧ Life and Apostolic Origins
Saint Polycarp was born around the year 69 A.D., likely in or near the city of Smyrna, a prominent city in Asia Minor (modern-day İzmir, Turkey). From his youth, he was instructed in the Christian faith and was a disciple of Saint John the Apostle, placing him among the Apostolic Fathers — those early Church leaders who were personally formed by the Apostles themselves.
Polycarp became the bishop of Smyrna, a position he held for many decades, governing his flock with great wisdom, courage, and apostolic zeal. He is venerated for his steadfastness in the faith, his clear teaching against heresies, especially Gnosticism, and his embodiment of the early Christian spirit of martyrdom and fidelity.
✧ Defender of the Faith
As bishop, Polycarp upheld the teachings handed down from the Apostles with exactitude and simplicity. He was known for his charity, humility, and unwavering orthodoxy. In his famous Letter to the Philippians, preserved to this day, he exhorted the faithful to remain steadfast in virtue, to imitate Christ, and to beware of heretical teachings.
Polycarp also stood against the heresies of Marcion and Valentinus, false teachers who corrupted the true faith with Gnostic ideas. A well-known account records that Polycarp, upon encountering Marcion in Rome, was asked, “Do you know me?” to which the saint replied, “Yes, I know you: the firstborn of Satan.”
He journeyed to Rome during the papacy of Pope St. Anicetus to discuss the dating of Easter, which was observed differently in the East and West. Though they did not resolve the difference, both men parted in peace and communion, showing the early unity and charity of the Church even amidst liturgical diversity.
✧ Martyrdom
Saint Polycarp’s martyrdom is among the earliest and most detailed accounts of a Christian martyrdom outside of the New Testament. The “Martyrdom of Polycarp”, written by the Church of Smyrna shortly after his death, recounts his final witness with vivid clarity.
At around 86 years of age, Polycarp was arrested during a wave of persecution. When urged to deny Christ and save his life, he proclaimed:
“Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King and Savior?”
He was sentenced to be burned alive. Yet, when the fire was lit, witnesses say the flames formed an arch around his body, leaving him unharmed. Seeing this, the executioners stabbed him with a dagger, and so much blood flowed that it extinguished the fire.
The faithful collected his bones and reverently preserved them, honoring them as relics of one who had become a “martyr in both deed and truth.”
✧ Legacy and Veneration
Saint Polycarp’s witness is a shining light in the early Church, testifying to the continuity of apostolic teaching, the sanctity of the episcopal office, and the heroic endurance of the martyrs. He connects us directly to the Apostles and to the living tradition of the early Church.
His feast is celebrated on February 23 in the traditional Roman calendar. He is remembered not only for his martyrdom but also as a faithful bishop who preserved the deposit of faith “once delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3).
✧ Spiritual Reflection
Saint Polycarp calls us to fidelity — not merely in belief, but in life. His refusal to compromise, even in old age, encourages all Christians to persevere in grace, love the Church, and remain unwavering amidst the world’s threats.
Prayer to Saint Polycarp:
O glorious Saint Polycarp, disciple of the beloved Apostle,
faithful shepherd of Christ’s flock, and courageous martyr,
intercede for us, that we may remain steadfast in the true Faith,
firm in the face of trial, and faithful to Christ unto death. Amen.