Hieromartyr · c. 69–155
Polycarp of Smyrna
Hieromartyr Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna
New Calendar February 23 Old Calendar March 8
Why they are a saint
Polycarp of Smyrna was disciple of the Apostle John and bishop of Smyrna; burned at the stake in old age. His martyrdom is among the earliest extra-biblical saint's lives. The years given for this life are c. 69–155. Orthodox Christians remember his blood-witness together with the other hieromartyrs.
Life
Saint Polycarp was born in the first century and lived in Smyrna. Orphaned young, he was raised by the pious widow Kallista; afterwards he gave away his possessions and cared for the sick. Bishop Bucolus of Smyrna ordained him deacon and priest. He was close to the Apostle John the Theologian and sometimes travelled with him, and at Bucolus' wish he became Bishop of Smyrna. Saint Ignatius of Antioch held him in high regard and wrote to him on his way to martyrdom.
Under Marcus Aurelius he was brought to trial, confessed Christ, and was condemned to be burned alive. The flames encircled him without touching him, so the executioners stabbed him with a dagger; his blood put out the fire. The Christians of Smyrna gathered his remains and kept the day of his martyrdom each year, as recorded in their Epistle to the other Churches. Of his writings, his Epistle to the Philippians survives.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source names no specific patronage.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Polycarp of Smyrna as a patron when they bear the name Polycarp at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on February 23. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Polycarp of Smyrna, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.