Feast day: February 23 St. Polycarp was one of the immediate
disciples of the Apostles, in particular St. John the
Evangelist. He embraced Christianity very young and was named
bishop of Smyrna. He was greatly respected by the faithful,
wrote many letters and formed many holy disciples. His epistle
to the Philippians - the only one to be preserved - demonstrates
his apostolic spirit, his profound humility and meekness, and
his great charity. St. Polycarp fought against heresy. He also
taught that Christians must walk in truth, do God’s will, keep
all of His commandments, and love whatever He loved. Christians
must refrain from all fraud, avarice, detraction, and rash
judgment. They must repay evil with forgiveness and mercy. He
taught that one must pray all the time, so as not to be led into
temptation, fast, persevere and be joyful. During his
episcopate, a violent persecution broke out in Smyrna against
the Christians. During this time, though fearless, the bishop
retreated to a neighboring village, spendin