St Polycarp of Smyrna

Polycarp is one of the last living links to the apostles: Irenaeus, who knew him in his youth, recalled how the old bishop would tell of his conversations with John and with others who had seen the Lord. As bishop of Smyrna he was a pillar of the churches of Asia, welcomed Ignatius on his march to martyrdom, and wrote a surviving letter to the Philippians woven from Scripture and apostolic memory. In extreme old age he travelled to Rome to discuss the date of Pascha with Pope Anicetus; they disagreed and parted in communion and peace. Around 155 he was arrested during a festival at Smyrna. Urged to curse Christ and go free, he answered: 'Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?' The Martyrdom of Polycarp, written by his church within the year, is the earliest detailed account of a Christian martyrdom outside the New Testament.