Synaxarium

On this day in the year 167 AD, Saint Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna (famous as Izmir), was martyred. He began his life in the late first Christian generation and was a disciple of Saint John the Evangelist. He is the one the Lord refers to in His words: "Write to the angel of the church in Smyrna: These things says the First and the Last... I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." He traveled to Rome in the year 157 AD to convince Anicetus, Bishop of Rome, regarding the Feast of the Resurrection, then returned and continued his pastoral work, serving on the episcopal throne for a long time until he grew old. He wrote many treatises and numerous discourses about the Nativity, death, hell, torment, the Virgin Saint Mary, the Savior’s providences, and other topics, drawing many souls to the Lord through his life-giving teachings.

When Marcus Aurelius stirred persecution against the Christians, they tightened the noose around the saint, saying, "Swear, and we will release you. Curse Christ." Polycarp answered, "I have served Him for eighty-six years and He has done me no harm; how then can I blaspheme my King who saved me?" The governor said to him, "If you despise the beasts, I will have you consumed by fire unless you repent." The saint replied, "You threaten me with a fire that burns for an hour and then goes out, because you do not know the fire of the coming judgment and eternal punishment reserved for the wicked. But why do you delay? Do what you will." After bitter persecutions and many threats, this saint desired to shed his blood for the name of Christ. He advised his people and taught them to stand firm in the faith, informing them that they would not see his face after that day. They wept and clung to him, trying to prevent him, but they could not. He went and confessed the Lord Jesus, and after many sufferings, the governor ordered his head to be cut off, and he received the crown of life. Some believers took his body and wrapped it with honor. May his prayers be with us, and to our Lord be glory forever and ever. Amen.