Saint Polycarp was born in the city of Smyrna(modern Izmir ) as a Member of a non-Jewish family. Tartullianus was mentioning about him as the disciple of Saint John the Apostle. Though he was one of the Apostolic church fathers. He became Bishop of Smyrna around 100 and served until he died. He is the first church father who tried to reconcile matters like celebrating the day of Easter and whether the bread of the eucharist will be yeasted or not. He discussed this matter with Pope Victor and Bishop Anicetus.
At the time of Emperors Hadrian and Antonin Pius, serious investigations and persecutions started against Christians. However, they decided to arrest church leaders and make them turn back to imperial Cult Worship, thinking others would follow the leader. They arrested Saint Polycarp and brought him to the theater which was full of Christians. The Roman Governor of the city asked him to repent. And he said, “If you repent I will make you the richest man of this city, if not you will die under heavy torture.” The answer of the St. Polycarp is very touching; “Eighty and six years I have served Christ, my lord never betrayed me nor done any harm. How can I betray my King for worthless money of yours and the worthless life of mine? Bless you, for Assigning me worthy of this day and this hour that I may be among the martyrs and drink the cup of my Lord Jesus Christ.” So they decided to burn him. When the flames touched his body never lost the smile on his face until the last moment of his earthly life. His death Rather than scaring the Christians encouraged them for martyrdom. However one more time the Church of Smyrna proved that it is the church of fidelity and nonviolent resistance. The believers are relying on the power of the Lord without doubts and questions.
İki cesmelik mah. Kirazli yolu caddesi İnci apt. No 18 Kusadasi AYDIN
