St. Polycarp
Greek bishop and martyr (c. 69-c. 155), disciple of St. John the Apostle, Bishop of Smyrna; visited Pope Anicetus at Rome on the Quartodeciman question. Burned and stabbed at the stake at Smyrna at age 86 in the persecution under Antoninus Pius. The "Martyrdom of Polycarp" is the earliest authentic account of a Christian martyrdom. Pre-Congregation.
Life & Times
Born: c. 69 · Died: c. 155 · From: Smyrna / Asia Minor.
Patronage
St. Polycarp is invoked as the patron of earache sufferers, traditional, bishops, apostolic fathers. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He never did me any wrong; how then can I blaspheme my King and Saviour?”— Martyrdom of Polycarp, recorded shortly after his death by the Church of Smyrna (c. 155 AD)
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Devotional items honoring St. Polycarp, from our Sancta Lumina collection and beyond.
About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Polycarp, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.