In Smyrna, during the times of the holy apostles, Saint Polycarp was the bishop. An angel of the Lord appeared to the pious widow Callista, commanding her to take the orphan Polycarp. She raised him in piety, and Polycarp, generously distributing alms, was blessed by the Lord when his prayer for the filling of the storages was heard. After the death of Callista, Polycarp became the bishop of Smyrna, ordained by Saint Vucol, and worked hard for the salvation of souls, performing miracles and healings. He was a disciple of the holy apostles and participated in their journeys.
During the persecutions of Christians, Saint Polycarp, showing courage, was captured and brought to trial. He refused to renounce Christ despite threats. Polycarp was burned at the stake, but the fire did not harm him, and he prayed to God, thanking Him for the opportunity to suffer for Christ. His blood extinguished the fire, and many, seeing this miracle, believed. After his martyrdom, Christians gathered his relics and venerated them as a holy thing.
