Bishop of Smyrna

(+155)

He was born around 70 into a wealthy Christian family. He was a disciple of John the apostle.
Around the year 100 he was appointed bishop of Smyrna by the apostle John.
Around 154 he went to Rome to discuss various church matters with Pope Anicetus (154-166), mainly determining the date of Easter, which in Rome was celebrated on the first Sunday after Nisan 14, in the East on exactly Nisan 14. No agreement was reached on this matter. During his stay in Rome, Polycarp converted many Marcionites and Valentinians.

After returning to Smyrna, 86-year-old Polycarp is arrested and sentenced to death by burning alive at the stake. The flames did not catch him. He was pierced with a dagger by one of his executioners. The year of martyrdom is discussed: the years 156, 167, 177 are proposed.
The description of the martyrdom was edited by eyewitnesses and sent in the form of a letter from the Smyrna Church to the commune in Philomellum in Phrygia, known as MARTYRIUM POLYCARPI. It is one of the oldest surviving documents regarding the martyrdom of one person.