The Martyrdom of the second-century bishop, Polycarp, stands as a testimony to unwavering faith and enduring devotion to Christ in the early Christian church. Preserved by Saint Irenaeus of Lyon, who meticulously documented the accounts of Polycarp's fellow disciples, this account of Polycarp's martyrdom portends the grim-yet-glorious future awaiting many followers of Christ in the next two centuries. Polycarp, himself a disciple of the apostle John, holds a special place in Orthodox Christian history, embodying the essence of Christian witness amidst persecution. Indeed, the Greek word for witness, Martus, is the root of our English word martyrdom – and reminds us even today that true Christian witness lies in sacrifice.
Like many generations of Christians before us, may we too draw inspiration from Polycarp's witness. Our challenge, then, is to follow the example of Polycarp when faced with martyrdom, be it the white martyrdom of humility and selflessness or the red martyrdom of physical death, by giving thanks to our Lord that he has counted us worthy. In the words of Saint Polycarp:
I give You thanks that You have counted me, worthy of this day and this hour, that I should have a part in the number of Your martyrs, in the cup of your Christ, to the resurrection of eternal life, both of soul and body.
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The Martyrdom of Polycarp (Audiobook)