St Polycarp was one of the bishops who were known as "the Apostolic Fathers". They were the immediate disciples of the apostles. He studied under St John the Evangelist. St Polycarp, in turn, taught St Ireneus and Papias. St Ireneus has recently been declared on January 21, 2022 a Doctor of the Church.
When St Ignatius of Antioch was going toward his martyrdom, St Polycarp kissed his chains. He then cared for the church of Antioch and wrote a letter to the Philippians.
During the reign of Marcus Aurelius in the sixth year there was a persecution of the Church in Asia. He refused to run and was captured. He met his persecutors at the door and invited them for dinner. He asked if he could pray before they arrested him.
He refused to blaspheme and denounce God as the persecutors wanted him to praise Caesar over God. He was burned at the stake, saying, " He who gives me grace to endure the fire will enable me to remain at the pile unmoved. There was a fragrance of incense. He was speared and a dove came forth and there was so much blood that it quenched the fire. He died in the year 155 on February 23.
God Bless You
Source: Butler's Lives of the Saints, edited by Michael Walsh, 1991, pages 56
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