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.St Irenaeus was a disciple of St Polycarp of Smryna, wrote much against heretics, succeeded St Pothinus in the See of Lyons and died during the persecution of Septimus Severus A.D. 202.

O disciple of John and shepherd who drank deeply of the cup of Christ's suffering, you who bore both the burden of a long life and the pain of a violent death yet remained faithful till the end – pray that the fire into which we are cast we may also endure as the sacrifice of Jesus and so find it fruitful, and so find it blessed… and so rejoice in the witness we are granted to give in the name of our Savior. May the offering of our lives join with your own and all the saints' in rising as holy incense to the throne of God and serve as witness, to the eyes that behold us, of the Lord's great power and love.

This week, Caleb talks about St. Polycarp, the disciple of John! Let the Holy Spirit challenge you in boldness, so he can use you like he used Polycarp 2000 years ago. With Caleb's testimony to go along with it!

⁠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

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- 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

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.

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.

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

[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)

"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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

"The uproar in the stadium was such that nobody could be heard at all." An authentic, firsthand account of St. Polycarp's martyrdom on February 22, 156. Among other things, the account attests to the veneration of saintly relics by early Christians. The letter puts forth a clear defense of the veneration of saints as distinct from the worship rendered solely to God. The account is as moving now as it was when the Christians at Smyrna first wrote it. Translation courtesy of Catholic University of America Press: https://www.hfsbooks.com/books/the-apostolic-fathers-walsh-grimm-marique/ Alternate Translation at CatholicCulture.org: https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=1627 Theme music: 2 Part Invention, composed by Mark Christopher Brandt, performed by Thomas Mirus. ©️2019 Heart of the Lion Publishing Co./BMI. All rights reserved.

"The letter of Ignatius sent to us by himself and all the others we have here we send you... and from them you will greatly profit." St. Polycarp was the 2nd-century Bishop of Smyrna. Though he is known to have composed numerous letters, his Letter to the Philippians is the only one that has survived. In this letter, Polycarp insists on the value of closely studying the letters of St. Paul and of St. Ignatius of Antioch, whose letters Polycarp had sent to the Philippians along with this letter. Mike Aquilina on St. Polycarp: https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/episode-5-st-polycarp-and-social-network/ Translation courtesy of Catholic University of America Press: https://www.hfsbooks.com/books/the-apostolic-fathers-walsh-grimm-marique/ Alternate Translation at CatholicCulture.org: https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=1626 Sign up for our newsletter at https://www.catholiculture.org/getaudio Theme music: 2 Part Invention, composed by Mark Christopher Brandt, performed by Thomas Mirus. ©️2019 Heart of the Lion Publishing Co./BMI. All rights reserved.