Born between 69 and 70 AD to Christian parents, St. 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 Polycarp as a patient and loving preacher who cared for widows and slaves. In 154, he traveled to Rome to meet Pope Anicetus to discuss the date of Easter, with Eastern Churches celebrating it on the 14th of Nisan, while Rome observed it the following Sunday. Although they didn't reach an agreement, relationships remained amicable. Polycarp was later arrested at age 86 during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Antoninus Pius. The 'Martyrium Polycarpi' recounts that when urged to recant, he replied, "I have served Him for eighty-six years... How could I curse my King who saved me? ... I am a Christian." Condemned to be burned alive, Polycarp prayed, and the flames reportedly did not harm him, so he was killed by the sword, and his body was burned.
St. Polycarpl, 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.
Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Most High Servant,
Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love
(Blessed and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)
Most High Servant,
Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love
(Blessed and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)
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