Saint Polycarp
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| Saint Polycarp | |
| Feast Day | February 23 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Smyrna, Earache sufferers |
| Birthplace | Smyrna, Asia Minor (modern-day İzmir, Turkey) |
| Death Place | Smyrna, Asia Minor |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom by burning |
| Primary Shrine | Church of St. Polycarp, İzmir, Turkey |
St. Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, stands as one of the earliest known Christian martyrs from the 2nd century[1]. 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"[2].
His steadfast faith and refusal to deny Christ in the face of persecution have made him an enduring symbol of Christian fortitude[3].
Biography
Birth
Polycarp was born in the early 2nd century in Smyrna, Asia Minor[4].
Early Life
He was taught by John the Apostle, making him part of the second generation of Christians directly influenced by the apostles[1].
Occupation
He served as Bishop of Smyrna, a position he held until his martyrdom[2].
Vocation
Polycarp was known for his role in preserving apostolic tradition, combating heresy, and supporting the unity of the Church[4]. 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[3].
Significant events
- Visited Rome to discuss the date of Easter with Pope Anicetus, showcasing his role in early Church unity[1].
- His martyrdom was a public event, which reportedly inspired many Christians[2].
- His writings, like his letter to the Philippians, are among the earliest Christian documents we have[3].
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Smyrna, Asia Minor (modern-day İzmir, Turkey)
Death location: Smyrna, Asia Minor
Notable location:
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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[4].
Venerable
Not applicable; recognized as a saint by tradition[4].
Beatification
Not formally beatified; recognized as a saint by the early Church[4].
Canonization
Canonized by tradition; no formal canonization date as he was recognized as a saint from early Christian times[4].
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
No specific miracles are recorded for his beatification; his sanctity was recognized based on his martyrdom and life[4].
Miracle for canonization
Not applicable; his sainthood is based on tradition and early Church recognition[4].
Other notable miracles
- His body was said to have not burned in the fire, which was considered a miracle by early Christians[3].
Patronage
St. Polycarp is the patron saint of Smyrna (now İzmir, Turkey) and those suffering from earaches[4].
Feast day
His feast day is celebrated on February 23[4].
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[1].
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[3].
Written by the saint
- Only one surviving document is attributed to him, the "Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians"[3].
External links
- Catholic Online article on St. Polycarp[4]
- Britannica's biography on Saint Polycarp[1]
- New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia on St. Polycarp[2]
- Wikipedia entry on Polycarp[3]