The Orthodox Church commemorates today Saint Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna. He died a martyr, as he had been preaching the Holy Gospel throughout his life. He was a discipline of John the Apostle.
He was born around 60 AD in Ephesus. His pious parents, Pagratius and Theodora, became martyrs shortly after the birth of their child. His original name was “Pagratius”, which he was given in memory of his father. However, he changed it to “Polycarp”, which means “much fruit” in Greek, just like the countless virtues cultivated in his soul by the Holy Spirit. John the Apostle baptised him and then introduced him to Bishop Voukolos, who ordained him bishop of Smyrna.
Emperor Antoninus ordered proconcul Statius Cordatus to bring Bishop Polycarp before him in order him to deny Jesus Christ. Saint Polycarp’s courageously replied, “I have served God for 86 years and He never wronged me. How can I deny the One who saved me?” Saint Polycarp was firstly thrown into the fire and then beheaded on February 23, 167 AD.
Source: Church of Cyprus
