Podcasts about st polycarp

⁠28 ⁠And fear ye not them that kill the body, and are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him that can destroy both soul and body in hell.Et nolite timere eos qui occidunt corpus, animam autem non possunt occidere : sed potius timete eum, qui potest et animam et corpus perdere in gehennam. ⁠ 29 ⁠Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father.Nonne duo passeres asse veneunt? et unus ex illis non cadet super terram sine Patre vestro. ⁠ 30 ⁠But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.Vestri autem capilli capitis omnes numerati sunt. ⁠ 31 ⁠Fear not therefore: better are you than many sparrows.Nolite ergo timere : multis passeribus meliores estis vos. ⁠ 32 ⁠Every one therefore that shall confess me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven.Omnis ergo qui confitebitur me coram hominibus, confitebor et ego eum coram Patre meo, qui in caelis est. ⁠ 33 ⁠But he that shall deny me before men, I will also deny him before my Father who is in heaven.Qui autem negaverit me coram hominibus, negabo et ego eum coram Patre meo, qui in caelis est. He was a disciple of St Polycarp of Smyrna, wrote much against heretics, succeeded St Pothinus in the See of Lyons and died during the persecution of Septimus Severus A.D. 202.

Sermon preached by Dallas Flippin, on Sunday, April 7, 2024 at the First Baptist Church of Jackson, MI. Polycarp on Fire Step into the trailblazing journey of the saints, where courage meets conviction and faith ignites the soul. Join us as we explore the lives of those who dared to live passionately for their beliefs. Sermon Series: Saints on Fire Step into the trailblazing journey of the saints, where courage meets conviction and faith ignites the soul. Join us as we explore the lives of those who dared to live passionately for their beliefs. Connect with FBC JXN Learn more about FBCJXN at https://fbcjxn.org. Follow us on Facebook at https://facebook.com/fbcjxn. Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/fbcjxn. Want to connect more with us, fill out our virtual connect card at https://www.fbcjxn.org/connect/ How can we pray for you? Let us know at https://www.fbcjxn.org/prayer/

This week we are continuing our 40 days with the Martyr's Lenten Series! Join us in saying this prayer each day: ST PETER'S CHAINS PRAYER: O God, Who caused St. Peter, the apostle, to depart, loosed from his chains and unhurt, loose, we beg You, the chains of our sins, and graciously keep all evils far from us. Bless us this Lent and give us the faith of the martyrs. We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. AMEN   + MONDAY: St. Polycarp, 100s, Turkey + TUESDAY: Fr. Ragheed Gani, Iraq, 2000s + WEDNESDAY: Bl Stanley Rother, 1980s, USA and Guatamala. + THURSDAY: Bl. Sara Salkahzi, Turkey, 1944 + FRIDAY: St. Sebastian, 200s, Rome + SATURDAY: St. Stephen, 34, Jerusalem.   We would love to have you join us inside the Clubhouse! This Monday we are hosting a virtual pilgrimage to the Holy Land.. To join and find out more, head here: https://catholicsprouts.com/join-the-clubhouse/      Check out the Catholic Sprouts Podcast ARCHIVES! https://catholicsprouts.com/podcast-archives/    Find fun, meaningful, faith-filled projects for your own family in the Catholic Family Resource Library. https://catholicsprouts.com/catholic-family-resource-library-signup/    Catholic Sprouts is a production of Spoke Street Media. For more great Catholic podcasts, check out spokestreet.com 

Litutgy Sermon @ St. George Coptic Orthodox Church - Kotsika, Maadi - Egypt ~ March 8, 2024

St Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna ( Feb 23 )Reference materials for this episode: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2024/02/23/100589-hieromartyr-polycarp-bishop-of-smyrnahttp://www.earlychristianwritings.com/ignatius.html  - St Ignatius' letter to St Polycarphttps://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0136.htm - St Polycarp's letter to the Phillipianshttps://www.earlychristianwritings.com/martyrdompolycarp.html - martyrdom of St Polycarp Scripture citations for this episode:Matthew 23 - Jesus calls the pharisees blind guides & hypocrites Matthew 28:16-20 - The Great Commission Luke 10:1-20 - The Seventy Apostles go outActs 1:6-26 - Jesus' Ascension & the choosing of Matthias1 Corinthians 9:2, Galatians 1:11-24, 1 Timothy 2:7 - St Paul asserts his apostleship1 Corinthians 12:12-31 - One body, many membersRevelation 2:8-11 - Letter to The Church in SmyrnaThe Christian Saints Podcast is a joint production of Generative sounds & Paradosis Pavilion with oversight from Fr Symeon KeesParadosis Pavilion - https://youtube.com/@paradosispavilion9555https://www.instagram.com/christiansaintspodcasthttps://twitter.com/podcast_saintshttps://www.facebook.com/christiansaintspodcasthttps://www.threads.net/@christiansaintspodcastIconographic images used by kind permission of Nicholas Papas, who controls distribution rights of these imagesPrints of all of Nick's work can be found at Saint Demetrius Press - http://www.saintdemetriuspress.comAll music in these episodes is a production of Generative Soundshttps://generativesoundsjjm.bandcamp.comDistribution rights of this episode & all music contained in it are controlled by Generative SoundsCopyright 2021 - 2023

Ask the Lord to let your anger go! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/william-wannall/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/william-wannall/support

- Father Edward 2-23-24

The Community of St Gregory the Great sing the Gregorian Chant Mass for the Commemoration of St Polycarp in Lent. Recorded live at Southgate House on 23 February 2024.

Guest host Gary Michuta and Benjamin Handelman discuss the meaning of Justification. Rob Corzine discusses martyrdom and St Polycarp.

Guest host Gary Michuta and Benjamin Handelman discuss the meaning of Justification. Rob Corzine discusses martyrdom and St Polycarp.

Therefore fear them not. For nothing is covered that shall not be revealed: nor hid, that shall not be known.Ne ergo timueritis eos. Nihil enim est opertum, quod non revelabitur : et occultum, quod non scietur.  27 That which I tell you in the dark, speak ye in the light: and that which you hear in the ear, preach ye upon the housetops.Quod dico vobis in tenebris, dicite in lumine : et quod in aure auditis, praedicate super tecta.  28 And fear ye not them that kill the body, and are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him that can destroy both soul and body in hell.Et nolite timere eos qui occidunt corpus, animam autem non possunt occidere : sed potius timete eum, qui potest et animam et corpus perdere in gehennam.  29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father.Nonne duo passeres asse veneunt? et unus ex illis non cadet super terram sine Patre vestro.  30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.Vestri autem capilli capitis omnes numerati sunt.  31 Fear not therefore: better are you than many sparrows.Nolite ergo timere : multis passeribus meliores estis vos.  32 Every one therefore that shall confess me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven.Omnis ergo qui confitebitur me coram hominibus, confitebor et ego eum coram Patre meo, qui in caelis est. St Polycarp, a disciple of St John the Apostle, was Bishop of Smyrna for seventy years, and was martyred under Marcus Aurelius A.D.169. *Personal note...St Polycarp is one of my favorite saints. Maybe just because of his name or maybe because his life story was read to me by my mother when I was a child. One of his traits was avoiding bad people. When others were preaching something different from Our Lord he plugged his ears. All that he learned from St John he taught to others. He was captured when Christians were being put to death. He gave a meal to the men who came to capture him. The judge tried to make him save himself by cursing Jesus. "I have served Jesus eighty-six years," answered the Saint "and He has never done me any wrong. How can I curse the King who died for me?" The soldiers tied St Polycarp's hands behind his back and placed him on a burning pile. But the fire did not harm him. One of the soldiers then stabbed a lance into his heart. And so the holy martyr went to be forever with the Divine Master he had served so well.

Timestamps: (0:00) Philippians 1:1-11, (1:35) A Letter to the Philippians by St Polycarp, (4:25) Mark 16:1-20, (8:09) Homily from Fr. Rocco Porter.

Join Dr. Ben Akers and Mary McGeehan as they dive into the life of St. Polycarp, a second century bishop and martyr. St. Polycarp was a student of St. John the Apostle, defended the faith against early heresies, and offered his life like Christ as a martyr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Saint of the Day Podcast, a service of Good Catholic and The Catholic Company. Today's featured saint is St. Polycarp of Smyrna.   If you like what you heard, share this podcast with someone you know, and make sure to subscribe!

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23 February 2023

It is day 2 of your Lenten Discipline! Is it something productive or destructive? We will reflect on that question while gaining inspiration from St. Polycarp.

The Community of St Gregory the Great sing the Gregorian Chant Mass for Thursday after Ash Wednesday, the commemoration of St Polycarp. Recorded live at Southgate House on 23 February 2023.

Deuteronomy 30:15-20 (I set before you today life of death, blessing or curse)

Walking with the Saints Podcast | Feast of St. Polycarp, Patron Saint of Earaches and Dysentery| February 23 St. Polycarp, our saint today, is centuries away from us, but his teachings are great truths that enrich our Faith, all throughout the Christian world, for he was a disciple of St. John the Evangelist and was ordained Bishop by St. John. He was among the first Christians whose writings survived. Imagine listening to St. John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, it must be likelistening to Jesus himself. Polycarp was born in the year 69 in Smyrna, today a city in Turkey and was ordained bishop of Smyrna. We know that the first followers of Jesus, except for a few, were immediately persecuted and martyred. Polycarp, being among the faithful followers of the Apostle John was immediately distinguished as one among the Christians. So he was summoned and asked to recant his faith. There was also a great problem about the Christian teachings during his time. After the death of Jesus and the Apostles, a variety of interpretations were being preached around. Fortunately, Polycarp was around; he explained and authenticated the true teachings and condemned the heretical ones. His visit and short preaching in Rome converted many heretical disciples. Today, we shall present to you the glorious martyrdom of our saint, and how he accepted it in imitation of Jesus Christ. He was not among those thrown at once in the arena where the beasts were waiting for their prey. Not seeing him in the crowd, the pagans shouted: “Let Polycarp be found.” When Polycarp appeared, the pagans shouted, trying to establish connections with him: “Recognize us, Polycarp.” Polycarp immediately responded bravely, not afraid of their reaction: “I recognize, you, yes, I recognize the sons of Satan.” When Polycarp faced his executioners, asking him to sacrifice to the pagan idols, he was heard saying: “How can I blaspheme my King and Savior? You threaten me with fire that burns for a season, and after a little while is quenched; but you are ignorant of the fire of everlasting punishment that is prepared for the wicked.” Then among his last words were: “I bless you, Father, for judging me worthy of this hour so that in the company of the martyrs, I may share the cup of Christ… May I be received today, as a rich and acceptable sacrifice, among those who are in Your presence, as you have prepared and foretold and fulfilled, God who is faithful and true. For this and for all benefits I praise You, I bless You, I glorify You, through the eternal and heavenly High Priest, Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son, through whom be to You with Him and the Holy Spirit glory, now and for all the ages to come. Amen." When the fire was lighted to burn him, the people saw a miracle. The fire burst up like an arch around Polycarp, the flames surrounding him like sails. Instead of burning him, he seemed to glow like metal being melted in a furnace. When the captors saw that Polycarp was not getting burned they stabbed him and threw a spear on him. The blood that flowed out from his body put the fire out but Polycarp died. It was the year 155. He was 86 years old. Many miracles followed his death. The proconsul did not allow the Christians to take the body of Polycarp, but a fearless mob took it and gave it a decent burial. His body was interred in the church of Saint' Ambrogio della Massima in Rome and his relics are guarded and venerated there. The feast of St. Polycarp is celebrated on February 23. Virtue: piety, faith, fidelity, humility, bravery, innocence, charity, temperance, hope and perseverance

[26]Therefore fear them not. For nothing is covered that shall not be revealed: nor hid, that shall not be known. Ne ergo timueritis eos. Nihil enim est opertum, quod non revelabitur : et occultum, quod non scietur. [27] That which I tell you in the dark, speak ye in the light: and that which you hear in the ear, preach ye upon the housetops. Quod dico vobis in tenebris, dicite in lumine : et quod in aure auditis, praedicate super tecta. [28] And fear ye not them that kill the body, and are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him that can destroy both soul and body in hell. Et nolite timere eos qui occidunt corpus, animam autem non possunt occidere : sed potius timete eum, qui potest et animam et corpus perdere in gehennam. [29] Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father. Nonne duo passeres asse veneunt? et unus ex illis non cadet super terram sine Patre vestro. [30] But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Vestri autem capilli capitis omnes numerati sunt. [31] Fear not therefore: better are you than many sparrows. Nolite ergo timere : multis passeribus meliores estis vos. [32] Every one therefore that shall confess me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven. Omnis ergo qui confitebitur me coram hominibus, confitebor et ego eum coram Patre meo, qui in caelis est. Music: Libera me.

"A priest of Smyrna, he suffered there in the time of Decius' persecution. They condemned him to be crucified, which was a great joy to him. And as soon as the soldiers assembled the cross and laid it on the ground, Pionius laid himself on it and stretched out his arms, calling to the soldiers to put the nails into his hands. The cross was inserted into the ground upside down, and a fire lit under the martyr's head. There were many bystanders. Pionius closed his eyes and prayed to God within himself. The flames could not succeed in igniting even his hair, and when the fire had at last gone out and everyone thought that he was dead, Pionius opened his eyes and cried out joyfully: 'O Lord, receive my spirit!', and breathed his last. This saint wrote the life of St Polycarp of Smyrna, together with whom he now makes merry in the Kingdom of Christ. He suffered and was glorified in 250." (Prologue)

The Martyrdom of St. Polycarp . . . a Lesson in Faith One of the great things about Catholic traditions, is that we do not forget our history. On this day (Feb. 23), the Church celebrates one of the early martyrs . . . Saint Polycarp. His feast (memorial) day is celebrated each year, but many Christians are unaware of this saint. Polycarp is a giant in the Christian tradition. He was a disciple of the Apostle John the Evangelist. St. John himself named Polycarp the Bishop of Smyrna. He was appointed to guide and lead the Church in this city. In the Book of Revelations, the Church in Smyrna is mentioned. Hear more within the audio. Polycarp is celebrated for his incredible dignity in which he taught the faith of the Church. This was precious for Polycarp. Listen to the audio which explains this in detail. At the end of his life, Polycarp will spill his blood in defense of the faith. If they came for me, the Lord says, they will come for you. As an old man, Polycarp is living in a time when Christians are asked to burn incense and are required to refer to Caesar as lord . . . for those that do not, they will be torn apart by beasts. The martyrdoms began to happen. Polycarp knew that his time will come . . . when the Romans will demand he does the same. From the book – The Acts of the Martyrdom of Polycarp – the audio recounts how he gave his life. Hear more from this audio. Understand how Polycarp's death, was modeled on what he was taught by St. John the Evangelist about the death of Jesus. Hear more about faith and this hidden lesson. Understand how Polycarp's faith might influence our own Spiritual Life.

"A priest of Smyrna, he suffered there in the time of Decius' persecution. They condemned him to be crucified, which was a great joy to him. And as soon as the soldiers assembled the cross and laid it on the ground, Pionius laid himself on it and stretched out his arms, calling to the soldiers to put the nails into his hands. The cross was inserted into the ground upside down, and a fire lit under the martyr's head. There were many bystanders. Pionius closed his eyes and prayed to God within himself. The flames could not succeed in igniting even his hair, and when the fire had at last gone out and everyone thought that he was dead, Pionius opened his eyes and cried out joyfully: 'O Lord, receive my spirit!', and breathed his last. This saint wrote the life of St Polycarp of Smyrna, together with whom he now makes merry in the Kingdom of Christ. He suffered and was glorified in 250." (Prologue)

Patron of Those With Ear Problems Feast Day: February 23 Father of mercies, through the intercession of Saint Polycarp, make me kind in the face of persecution. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/catholicismiscool/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/catholicismiscool/support

You redeemed us by your blood.

Be true to your faith until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Polycarp was recognized as a Christian leader by all Asia Minor Christians—a strong fortress of faith and loyalty to Jesus Christ. His own strength emerged from his trust in God, even when events contradicted this trust. Living among pagans and under a government opposed to the new religion, he led and fed his flock. Like the Good Shepherd, he laid down his life for his sheep and kept them from more persecution in Smyrna.To find out more about him, click here: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-polycarpAll Saints of God, pray for us!

Memorial of St. Polycarp, bishop and martyr Hymn Antiphon: Men will hate you because you are mine, but he who perseveres will be saved. Psalm 2 Antiphon: The sufferings of this life cannot be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us in the life to come. Psalm 11 Antiphon: The Lord tested his chosen ones as gold tested by fire; he has received them for ever as a sacrificial offering. Psalm 17 First reading: 2 Cor 4:7-5:8 Responsory: Mt 5:11, 12a, 10 Second reading: From a letter on the martyrdom of St. Polycarp by the Church of Smyrna Responsory: Rv 2:8-9, 10 Presentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) (c) 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical Readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

February 23, 2022 - St. Polycarp (Fr. Robert, Homily) by St. Peter Parish

February 23, 2022 - St. Polycarp (Deacon Don, Homily) by St. Peter Parish

Psalms 127 & 128; Exodus 3; Benedictus --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christanglican-hotsprings/support

James 4:13-17 (You cannot know what will happen tomorrow) Apocalypse 2:8-11 (I will give you the crown of life for your prize)

#Catholic #homily by Fr. Khoi V. Tran, given at Vandenberg Space Force Base Chapel, California, on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 — an "I Thirst" (John 19:28) #podcast #ithirstus

Gospel of Mark, Chapter 9, verses 38-40In this brief reading, the apostle John attempts to create boundaries around who can minister in Jesus's names and who cannot. Jesus sets him straight. In one of the shortest Gospels we've had recently, Jesus stares straight through 2,000 years of history and asks us if we have learned the lesson or not yet.St Polycarp, pray for usOriginal score written and performed by Bridget Zenk

He was born at Ephesus around the year 70. St Irenaeus of Lyons, his disciple, says that St Polycarp was 'a disciple of the Apostles and acquainted with those who had seen the Lord.' His parents died as martyrs, and he was given into the care of a devout lady named Callista. As a child, the Saint was so eager to follow the commandments of Christ that he repeatedly emptied his foster-mother's pantry to feed the poor. Since her supplies were always miraculously renewed, Callista changed his name from Pancratius to Polykarpos, meaning 'Much fruit.'   When grown, Polycarp became a disciple of St John the Theologian, and in time became Bishop of Smyrna; it is told that the messages to the Church at Smyrna in the Book of Revelation are addressed to St Polycarp and his flock. He knew St Ignatius of Antioch personally, and some of their correspondence is preserved.   Polycarp led his Church in holiness for more than fifty years, and became known throughout the Christian world as a true shepherd and standard-bearer of the Faith. About the year 154 he traveled to Rome and consulted with Pope Anacletus on the defense of the Faith.   Not long after he returned to Smyrna, a fierce persecution was unleashed against Christians in Asia Minor; along with many others, St Polycarp was arrested, having predicted his imminent martyrdom. (The account of his martyrdom that follows is based on eyewitness accounts gathered immediately after his death.)   On the evening of Holy Friday, soldiers burst into the farmhouse where he was staying. The Bishop welcomed them cheerfully, and ordered that a meal be prepared for them. He was granted some time to pray, and for two hours stood commemorating everyone that he had known and praying for the Church throughout the world. His captors sorrowed that they had come to take such a venerable man, and reluctantly took him to the Proconsul. When urged to deny Christ and save his life, the aged Saint replied, 'For eighty-six years I have been his servant, and he has wronged me in nothing; how can I blaspheme my King and Savior?' Told that he would die by fire if he did not apostatize, Polycarp replied 'You threaten me with a fire that burns for a short time and then goes out, while you know nothing of the fire of the judgment to come and of the everlasting torment awaiting the wicked. Why wait any longer? Do what you will!'   Placed on the pyre, Polycarp lifted his eyes heavenward and gave thanks to God for finding him worthy to share with the holy Martyrs of the cup of Christ. When he had said his Amen, the executioners lit the fire. The eyewitnesses write that the fire sprang up around him like a curtain, and that he stood in its midst glowing like gold and sending forth a delightful scent of incense. Seeing that the fire was not harming him, the executioners stabbed him with a sword. His blood flowed so copiously that it put out the fire, and he gave back his soul to God. His relics were burned by the persecutors, but Christians rescued a few fragments of bone, which were venerated for many generations on the anniversary of his repose.

A reading from Fr. Alban Butler's Lives of the Saints on St. Polycarp

He was mentored by the Apostle John. He defended the Old Testament from those who were trying to remove it from the Bible. At the age of eighty-six, he was sentenced to be burned alive for being a Christian. Who is he? Find out more on "Heroes of the Faith" where we are inspired by the lives of the saints, so that we can become saints ourselves!

Saints of Lent Series During Lent, we as Christians are called to more. It is a time to challenge our usual routines and to refocus on what we are called to be - followers of Christ. Lent goes from Ash Wednesday to Easter - a 40-day observation on our lives. Stepping back and examining our focus of life whether work, family, sports, social media, or the distractions of everyday life, we can see how our focus is not on God alone. So this Lent, I encourage you to follow along each day with some simple reflections on those who have gone before us marked in the sign of faith. We aren't talking about Aunt Louise in your family, but more so the saints and martyrs who put their faith first. They set their eyes on the prize of eternal glory with God. #BlessingsMiraclesPeace #CollaredCarpenter #LentenSaints Rev. Rick is a Western Rite Orthodox priest in Texas who loves sharing conversations on faith, reason, and all things awesome. Rick is also known as the "Collared Carpenter" who enjoys woodworking and bring creative on other social media platforms. www.instagram.com/collaredcarpenter/ www.pinterest.com/collaredcarpenter/ YouTube - Coming soon!! Show Notes: St. Polycarp Compilation of materials used including those of the resources granted to us by www.oca.org Reflection: Hieromartyr - priest/bishop martyred 155/156, 166/167 death 3 chief apostolic fathers So who do you look to in faith as a model? What has that person taught you? How do you keep their memory alive? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/collaredcarpenter/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/collaredcarpenter/support

He was born at Ephesus around the year 70. St Irenaeus of Lyons, his disciple, says that St Polycarp was 'a disciple of the Apostles and acquainted with those who had seen the Lord.' His parents died as martyrs, and he was given into the care of a devout lady named Callista. As a child, the Saint was so eager to follow the commandments of Christ that he repeatedly emptied his foster-mother's pantry to feed the poor. Since her supplies were always miraculously renewed, Callista changed his name from Pancratius to Polykarpos, meaning 'Much fruit.'   When grown, Polycarp became a disciple of St John the Theologian, and in time became Bishop of Smyrna; it is told that the messages to the Church at Smyrna in the Book of Revelation are addressed to St Polycarp and his flock. He knew St Ignatius of Antioch personally, and some of their correspondence is preserved.   Polycarp led his Church in holiness for more than fifty years, and became known throughout the Christian world as a true shepherd and standard-bearer of the Faith. About the year 154 he traveled to Rome and consulted with Pope Anacletus on the defense of the Faith.   Not long after he returned to Smyrna, a fierce persecution was unleashed against Christians in Asia Minor; along with many others, St Polycarp was arrested, having predicted his imminent martyrdom. (The account of his martyrdom that follows is based on eyewitness accounts gathered immediately after his death.)   On the evening of Holy Friday, soldiers burst into the farmhouse where he was staying. The Bishop welcomed them cheerfully, and ordered that a meal be prepared for them. He was granted some time to pray, and for two hours stood commemorating everyone that he had known and praying for the Church throughout the world. His captors sorrowed that they had come to take such a venerable man, and reluctantly took him to the Proconsul. When urged to deny Christ and save his life, the aged Saint replied, 'For eighty-six years I have been his servant, and he has wronged me in nothing; how can I blaspheme my King and Savior?' Told that he would die by fire if he did not apostatize, Polycarp replied 'You threaten me with a fire that burns for a short time and then goes out, while you know nothing of the fire of the judgment to come and of the everlasting torment awaiting the wicked. Why wait any longer? Do what you will!'   Placed on the pyre, Polycarp lifted his eyes heavenward and gave thanks to God for finding him worthy to share with the holy Martyrs of the cup of Christ. When he had said his Amen, the executioners lit the fire. The eyewitnesses write that the fire sprang up around him like a curtain, and that he stood in its midst glowing like gold and sending forth a delightful scent of incense. Seeing that the fire was not harming him, the executioners stabbed him with a sword. His blood flowed so copiously that it put out the fire, and he gave back his soul to God. His relics were burned by the persecutors, but Christians rescued a few fragments of bone, which were venerated for many generations on the anniversary of his repose.

Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich get to know St. Polycarp, who learned about our Lord directly from John the Evangelist!

Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich get to know St. Polycarp, who learned about our Lord directly from John the Evangelist!

He was born at Ephesus around the year 70. St Irenaeus of Lyons, his disciple, says that St Polycarp was 'a disciple of the Apostles and acquainted with those who had seen the Lord.' His parents died as martyrs, and he was given into the care of a devout lady named Callista. As a child, the Saint was so eager to follow the commandments of Christ that he repeatedly emptied his foster-mother's pantry to feed the poor. Since her supplies were always miraculously renewed, Callista changed his name from Pancratius to Polykarpos, meaning 'Much fruit.'   When grown, Polycarp became a disciple of St John the Theologian, and in time became Bishop of Smyrna; it is told that the messages to the Church at Smyrna in the Book of Revelation are addressed to St Polycarp and his flock. He knew St Ignatius of Antioch personally, and some of their correspondence is preserved.   Polycarp led his Church in holiness for more than fifty years, and became known throughout the Christian world as a true shepherd and standard-bearer of the Faith. About the year 154 he traveled to Rome and consulted with Pope Anacletus on the defense of the Faith.   Not long after he returned to Smyrna, a fierce persecution was unleashed against Christians in Asia Minor; along with many others, St Polycarp was arrested, having predicted his imminent martyrdom. (The account of his martyrdom that follows is based on eyewitness accounts gathered immediately after his death.)   On the evening of Holy Friday, soldiers burst into the farmhouse where he was staying. The Bishop welcomed them cheerfully, and ordered that a meal be prepared for them. He was granted some time to pray, and for two hours stood commemorating everyone that he had known and praying for the Church throughout the world. His captors sorrowed that they had come to take such a venerable man, and reluctantly took him to the Proconsul. When urged to deny Christ and save his life, the aged Saint replied, 'For eighty-six years I have been his servant, and he has wronged me in nothing; how can I blaspheme my King and Savior?' Told that he would die by fire if he did not apostatize, Polycarp replied 'You threaten me with a fire that burns for a short time and then goes out, while you know nothing of the fire of the judgment to come and of the everlasting torment awaiting the wicked. Why wait any longer? Do what you will!'   Placed on the pyre, Polycarp lifted his eyes heavenward and gave thanks to God for finding him worthy to share with the holy Martyrs of the cup of Christ. When he had said his Amen, the executioners lit the fire. The eyewitnesses write that the fire sprang up around him like a curtain, and that he stood in its midst glowing like gold and sending forth a delightful scent of incense. Seeing that the fire was not harming him, the executioners stabbed him with a sword. His blood flowed so copiously that it put out the fire, and he gave back his soul to God. His relics were burned by the persecutors, but Christians rescued a few fragments of bone, which were venerated for many generations on the anniversary of his repose.

"A priest of Smyrna, he suffered there in the time of Decius' persecution. They condemned him to be crucified, which was a great joy to him. And as soon as the soldiers assembled the cross and laid it on the ground, Pionius laid himself on it and stretched out his arms, calling to the soldiers to put the nails into his hands. The cross was inserted into the ground upside down, and a fire lit under the martyr's head. There were many bystanders. Pionius closed his eyes and prayed to God within himself. The flames could not succeed in igniting even his hair, and when the fire had at last gone out and everyone thought that he was dead, Pionius opened his eyes and cried out joyfully: 'O Lord, receive my spirit!', and breathed his last. This saint wrote the life of St Polycarp of Smyrna, together with whom he now makes merry in the Kingdom of Christ. He suffered and was glorified in 250." (Prologue)

He was born at Ephesus around the year 70. St Irenaeus of Lyons, his disciple, says that St Polycarp was 'a disciple of the Apostles and acquainted with those who had seen the Lord.' His parents died as martyrs, and he was given into the care of a devout lady named Callista. As a child, the Saint was so eager to follow the commandments of Christ that he repeatedly emptied his foster-mother's pantry to feed the poor. Since her supplies were always miraculously renewed, Callista changed his name from Pancratius to Polykarpos, meaning 'Much fruit.'   When grown, Polycarp became a disciple of St John the Theologian, and in time became Bishop of Smyrna; it is told that the messages to the Church at Smyrna in the Book of Revelation are addressed to St Polycarp and his flock. He knew St Ignatius of Antioch personally, and some of their correspondence is preserved.   Polycarp led his Church in holiness for more than fifty years, and became known throughout the Christian world as a true shepherd and standard-bearer of the Faith. About the year 154 he traveled to Rome and consulted with Pope Anacletus on the defense of the Faith.   Not long after he returned to Smyrna, a fierce persecution was unleashed against Christians in Asia Minor; along with many others, St Polycarp was arrested, having predicted his imminent martyrdom. (The account of his martyrdom that follows is based on eyewitness accounts gathered immediately after his death.)   On the evening of Holy Friday, soldiers burst into the farmhouse where he was staying. The Bishop welcomed them cheerfully, and ordered that a meal be prepared for them. He was granted some time to pray, and for two hours stood commemorating everyone that he had known and praying for the Church throughout the world. His captors sorrowed that they had come to take such a venerable man, and reluctantly took him to the Proconsul. When urged to deny Christ and save his life, the aged Saint replied, 'For eighty-six years I have been his servant, and he has wronged me in nothing; how can I blaspheme my King and Savior?' Told that he would die by fire if he did not apostatize, Polycarp replied 'You threaten me with a fire that burns for a short time and then goes out, while you know nothing of the fire of the judgment to come and of the everlasting torment awaiting the wicked. Why wait any longer? Do what you will!'   Placed on the pyre, Polycarp lifted his eyes heavenward and gave thanks to God for finding him worthy to share with the holy Martyrs of the cup of Christ. When he had said his Amen, the executioners lit the fire. The eyewitnesses write that the fire sprang up around him like a curtain, and that he stood in its midst glowing like gold and sending forth a delightful scent of incense. Seeing that the fire was not harming him, the executioners stabbed him with a sword. His blood flowed so copiously that it put out the fire, and he gave back his soul to God. His relics were burned by the persecutors, but Christians rescued a few fragments of bone, which were venerated for many generations on the anniversary of his repose.

Memorial of St. Polycarp, bishop and martyr