St. Polycarp of Smyrna

Polycarp had known St. John the Apostle and was made bishop of Smyrna by the Apostles themselves. When he was 86 the Roman governor ordered him to curse Christ to save his life. He answered, “Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?” He was tied to the stake, and the eyewitness account says the flames formed an arch around him and would not burn him, so a soldier killed him with a sword. That account is the oldest martyrdom we have outside the New Testament.

• Feast: February 23 (New Calendar)
• Lived: died c. 155
• Place: Smyrna