Saint Polycarp

Born between 69 and 70 AD to Christian parents, Saint Polycarp learned the teachings of Christ directly from the Apostles and became a disciple of St. John the Evangelist. Irenaeus, who was his pupil and then Bishop of Lyon, and the historian Eusebius of Caesarea, wrote of him thus: "Polycarp was not only educated by the Apostles and lived with many of those who had seen the Lord, but it was the Apostles who sent him to Asia as Bishop of the Church of Smyrna." During his long time as Bishop, Polycarp stood out for his zeal in faithfully preserving the doctrine of the Apostles, for spreading the Gospel among the pagans, and for fighting heresies. 

Irenaeus describes him as a patient and lovable preacher with great solicitude for widows and slaves. Around the end of 154, Polycarp left for Rome as a representative of the Christians of Asia Minor. His mission was to meet with Pope Anicetus and discuss different issues, including the date of Easter. The Eastern Churches celebrated Easter on the 14th of the Jewish month of Nisan and in Rome on the following Sunday. No agreement was reached, but relations between the Churches remained friendly. Christians in Smyrna were persecuted under Emperor Antoninus Pius, and Polycarp was arrested when he was at the age of 86. The acts of his martyrdom, 'Martyrium Polycarpi,' narrate that he was brought before the Proconsul, who tried to persuade him to recant, saying: 'Think of your age ... change your mind ... swear and I will free you. Curse the Christ '. Polycarp replied: 'I have served Him for eighty-six years, and he has done me no harm. How could I curse my King who saved me? ... Listen clearly: I am a Christian.'

Polycarp was condemned to be burned alive. His hands were tied behind his back while he continued to praise the Blessed Trinity and to thank the Lord for permitting him to drink of his chalice, great heaps of fagots were piled up around him. The executioner awaited the termination of his prayers with awe and did not apply the torch until after the "Amen." An eyewitness claims that those flames did not harm him. So he was killed by the sword, and his body was burned.

Saint Polycarp, you were blessed to be among the first followers of the Apostles and worked fervently to spread and defend the faith; pray that we may learn from your witness and follow your holy example.

Prepared and updated by:

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.