Polycarp

Polycarp (AD 69 – 155) was bishop of Smyrna, the ancient Greek city, now is an ecclesiastical territory (diocese) of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, modern Turkey. He was one of the early Fathers of the Church, a disciple of the Apostles and in particular of St. John. He was for nearly 70 years bishop, and suffered martyrdom for refusing to renounce Christ, "after having served Him," as he said, "for 86 years". Of his writings the only one extant is an "Epistle to the Philippians," the genuineness of which, at one time questioned, is now established, and is of value chiefly in questions affecting the canon of Scripture and the origin of the Church.

Nearby pages
Polycrates, Polydore Vergil, Polygnotus, Polyhymnia, Polyketide Synthase