Saint Polycarp was born in the city of Smyrna, on the Aegean coast of Asia Minor.

His parents were Christians and their son was baptized when he was still young.

Polycarp had the good fortune to listen to the sermons of the holy apostle and evangelist John, who lived until the end of the 1st century in the nearby city of Ephesus.

Captivated by the teachings of Jesus Christ, the young man became one of the active Christians in Smyrna, diligently studying the Christian holy books.

The bishop of the city, St. Vukol, saw in the pious young man a great devotion to God's law, accepted him among the servants of the local church and assigned him to preach the word of God.

Ordained as a priest, Polycarp continued to serve God zealously: he preached to the people, told about the life and miracles of the Savior, clarified His teaching, called the pagans to know the truth.

Many of them left idolatry and its associated immorality and accepted the Christian faith.

After the death of St. Vukollus, Polycarp was chosen as his successor and very soon became the most respected bishop in Asia Minor.

Even the pagans revered him for his virtues and fortitude.

He converted many to Christ, and his disciples in turn glorified him with the sanctity of their lives, for example Saint Irenaeus of Lyons, Saint Papius of Hierapolis and others.

On his way to Rome, Saint Ignatius the God-bearer visited the saint in Smyrna.

We celebrate the memory of the Venerable Timothy and Saint Eustathius of Antioch, the Confessor

Saint Polycarp constantly preached the word of God, took care of the welfare and spiritual benefit of his flock.

And God also glorified him through the gift of miracles.

But in the middle of the II century, under the emperor Antoninus Pius, persecution began in Asia Minor.

Many Christians died amid terrible torture.

Saint Polycarp was also captured and, by order of the Roman proconsul in Smyrna, Lucius Statius Quadratus, was burned at the stake in 155.

The Orthodox Church observes