O God, the maker of heaven and earth, who didst give to thy venerable servant, the holy and gentle Polycarp, boldness to confess Jesus Christ as King and Saviour, and steadfastness to die for his faith: Give us grace, after his example, to share the cup of Christ and rise to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
23 Feb 155: #Polycarp of Smyrna, who tradition has it was a #disciple of John, is martyred. He was the first recorded martyrdom in post-New Testament #church history. As told, he was burned at the stake, then stabbed when the fire failed to touch him. #ad https://t.co/H6noJB2dl6 pic.twitter.com/ktJDCGQU8q
— Today In History (@URDailyHistory) February 23, 2024