St. Polycarp was the Bishop of Smyrna and one of the three chief Apostolic Fathers—those who were taught directly by the Apostles. A student of the Apostle John, Polycarp served as a vital living link between the first generation of believers and the emerging Church of the second century. In AD 155, at the age of 86, Polycarp was captured by Roman authorities. When urged to save his life by cursing Christ, he gave his most famous witness: “Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?” He was sentenced to be burned at the stake, but tradition holds that the flames arched around him like a sail, leaving him unharmed, until he was finally dispatched by a dagger.
Polycarp’s martyrdom serves as an encouragement to all Christians to be bold and faithful confessors of Christ, regardless of how much we are despised by the enemies of the Church.
Readings: Revelation 2:8-11 / Matthew 20:20–28
Visit the All Saints Parish blog to learn more about the ancient faith and the Church’s life.
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