Saint Polycarp, Bishop & Martyr
S. Polycarpi Episcopi et Martyris
Saint Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, was a disciple of the Apostle Saint John and one of the great links between the age of the Apostles and the Church that followed. Faithful to the end, he was burned and pierced for Christ at a great age, about the middle of the second century.
Saint Polycarp holds an honoured place among the Apostolic Fathers, those teachers who had themselves known the Apostles or their immediate disciples. He was Bishop of Smyrna in Asia Minor, and the ancient writers tell us that he had been instructed by Saint John the Evangelist and appointed by the Apostles to his see. Saint Irenaeus, who had heard Polycarp preach in his own youth, bears witness to the old bishop’s fidelity in handing on what he had received from those who had seen the Lord.
A link to the Apostles
In an age troubled by errors that would divide the faithful, Polycarp stood as a steadfast guardian of the apostolic teaching. He journeyed to Rome to confer with the Pope on the keeping of Easter, and his presence drew many back from error. A letter of his to the Philippians survives, breathing the spirit of the Gospel and rich in the words of the Apostles. Through him the voice of the first witnesses was carried into the second century, a living testimony that the Faith of the Church was the Faith once delivered.
The martyrdom of Polycarp
The account of his death, set down by the Church of Smyrna soon after the event, is among the most ancient and moving of the martyr-records. When the persecution came upon him in his extreme old age, Polycarp would not flee, but met his arrest with calm. Pressed by the proconsul to revile Christ and save his life, he answered: “Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He hath done me no wrong; how then can I blaspheme my King who hath saved me?” He was condemned to the fire, and when the flames did not consume him, he was dispatched with the sword, yielding up his soul to God. So the disciple of the Apostle was found faithful unto death, and the Church has kept his memory ever since.
The Collect
O God, who givest us joy by the yearly solemnity of blessed Polycarp, Thy Martyr and Bishop: mercifully grant; that we, who keep his heavenly birthday, may also rejoice in his protection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.
Deus, qui nos beáti Polycárpi Mártyris tui atque Pontíficis ánnua sollemnitáte lætíficas: concéde propítius; ut, cuius natalícia cólimus, de eiúsdem étiam protectióne gaudeámus. Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.
In the Modern Calendar
In the modern calendar, this feast is observed on 23 February.
Common Questions
When is the feast of Saint Polycarp?
In the 1962 Roman Missal his feast is kept on 26 January as a Third-Class feast. In the modern calendar it is observed on 23 February.
Who was Saint Polycarp?
He was Bishop of Smyrna and a disciple of the Apostle Saint John, one of the Apostolic Fathers who linked the age of the Apostles to the early Church. He was martyred for Christ at a great age in the second century.
Why is Saint Polycarp important?
Through him the teaching of the Apostles was handed on faithfully to the next generation; his surviving letter and the early account of his martyrdom are treasured witnesses to the Faith and to the courage of the martyrs.
See where this feast falls in the Church’s year on the liturgical calendar, or find a Traditional Latin Mass near you.
These pages are offered with love for the saints and for all who seek them. If anything here should need correcting, we humbly beg your pardon and ask your help — kindly write to [email protected], and we will mend it as soon as we can.
Receive the coming feasts, Mass times, and reflections from our community — sent with care, never spam.