St. Polycarp

Feast Day: February 23

“Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?” – St. Polycarp

St. Polycarp, bishop and martyr, is one of the greatest figures of the early Church, revered as a direct disciple of St. John the Apostle and a vital link between the apostles and the next generation of Christians. His feast day, celebrated on February 23, honors his steadfast witness to the faith and his courageous martyrdom.

A Disciple of the Apostles

Polycarp was born around 69 A.D. and became a Christian as a young man, likely baptized by St. John the Apostle himself. He was appointed Bishop of Smyrna (modern-day Izmir, Turkey), where he faithfully shepherded the Christian community for many decades.

As one of the last living connections to the apostles, Polycarp’s teachings carried great authority, and he worked tirelessly to defend the faith against heresies, including Gnosticism.

Defender of the True Faith

Polycarp was known for his simplicity, holiness, and deep pastoral care. He emphasized faithfulness to the teachings handed down from the apostles and exhorted Christians to live lives of virtue, prayer, and love.

He also played an important role in early Church unity, including discussions about the proper date for celebrating Easter, which varied between Eastern and Western Christian communities at the time.

A Courageous Martyrdom

In his old age, during a wave of persecution under the Roman authorities around 155 A.D., Polycarp was arrested and brought before the governor. When ordered to deny Christ and swear loyalty to Caesar, he responded with his famous words:

“Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?”

Polycarp was sentenced to death by burning. According to eyewitness accounts, the flames miraculously did not consume him, and he was ultimately killed by the sword. His martyrdom became one of the earliest well-documented accounts of Christian martyrdom outside of Scripture.

A Legacy of Apostolic Faithfulness

Polycarp’s life and writings, including his Letter to the Philippians, continue to inspire Christians today. His unwavering fidelity to Christ and the apostolic teaching helped preserve the true faith during the turbulent years of the early Church.

Patron of Those Fighting Heresies and Persecution

St. Polycarp is the patron saint of those suffering persecution and of defenders of the true faith, a symbol of the courage needed to remain faithful to Christ in the face of trials.

A Witness of Apostolic Faith and Courage

St. Polycarp’s life is a powerful reminder that our faith is built upon the witness of those who knew Christ through His apostles. His courage in martyrdom and his steadfast love for Christ continue to inspire the faithful to remain true, even when faced with suffering or death.

St. Polycarp, pray for us!