Edit Saints: St. Polycarp

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'''St. Polycarp''', Bishop of Smyrna, stands as one of the earliest known Christian martyrs from the 2nd century<ref name="britannica.com">www.britannica.com</ref>. He was a disciple of [[John the Apostle]], linking him directly to the apostolic age, and his martyrdom is documented in one of the earliest Christian martyrologies, "The Martyrdom of Polycarp"<ref name="newadvent.org">www.newadvent.org</ref>. His steadfast faith and refusal to deny Christ in the face of persecution have made him an enduring symbol of Christian fortitude<ref name="wikipedia.org">en.wikipedia.org</ref>. ==Biography== === Birth === Polycarp was born in the early 2nd century in Smyrna, Asia Minor<ref name="catholic.org">www.catholic.org</ref>. === Early Life === He was taught by John the Apostle, making him part of the second generation of Christians directly influenced by the apostles<ref name="britannica.com"/>. === Occupation === He served as Bishop of Smyrna, a position he held until his martyrdom<ref name="newadvent.org"/>. === Vocation === Polycarp was known for his role in preserving apostolic tradition, combating heresy, and supporting the unity of the Church<ref name="catholic.org"/>. He corresponded with other early Church fathers, including St. Ignatius of Antioch. === Death === He was martyred around 155 AD in Smyrna by being burned at the stake after refusing to renounce Christianity<ref name="wikipedia.org"/>. ==Significant events== * Visited Rome to discuss the date of Easter with Pope Anicetus, showcasing his role in early Church unity<ref name="britannica.com"/>. * His martyrdom was a public event, which reportedly inspired many Christians<ref name="newadvent.org"/>. * His writings, like his letter to the Philippians, are among the earliest Christian documents we have<ref name="wikipedia.org"/>. == Death == St. Polycarp was executed by being burned at the stake, though when the fire did not consume him, he was stabbed to death to ensure his martyrdom. ==Canonization== === Servant of God === St. Polycarp was not formally recognized as a Servant of God through modern processes; his martyrdom was recognized by tradition<ref name="catholic.org"/>. ===Venerable=== Not applicable; recognized as a saint by tradition<ref name="catholic.org"/>. === Beatification === Not formally beatified; recognized as a saint by the early Church<ref name="catholic.org"/>. === Canonization === Canonized by tradition; no formal canonization date as he was recognized as a saint from early Christian times<ref name="catholic.org"/>. ==Miracles== === Miracle for beatification === No specific miracles are recorded for his beatification; his sanctity was recognized based on his martyrdom and life<ref name="catholic.org"/>. === Miracle for canonization === Not applicable; his sainthood is based on tradition and early Church recognition<ref name="catholic.org"/>. === Other notable miracles === - His body was said to have not burned in the fire, which was considered a miracle by early Christians<ref name="wikipedia.org"/>. ==Patronage== St. Polycarp is the patron saint of Smyrna (now İzmir, Turkey) and those suffering from earaches<ref name="catholic.org"/>. ==Feast day== His feast day is celebrated on February 23<ref name="catholic.org"/>. ==Veneration== St. Polycarp is venerated in the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglican traditions. His relics are believed to be housed in the Church of St. Polycarp in İzmir, Turkey. He is remembered for his apostolic connection, his martyrdom, and his role in early Church history<ref name="britannica.com"/>. ==Books== === Written about the saint === * His life and martyrdom are recounted in "The Martyrdom of Polycarp" and various hagiographies, but no specific modern books were listed<ref name="wikipedia.org"/>. === Written by the saint === * Only one surviving document is attributed to him, the "Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians"<ref name="wikipedia.org"/>. ==External links== * [https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=117 Catholic Online article on St. Polycarp]<ref name="catholic.org"/> * [https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Polycarp Britannica's biography on Saint Polycarp]<ref name="britannica.com"/> * [https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12219b.htm New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia on St. Polycarp]<ref name="newadvent.org"/> * [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycarp Wikipedia entry on Polycarp]<ref name="wikipedia.org"/> ==References== {{Reflist}}