jan 17, 69 - St. Polycarp of Smyrna (AD 69-155)

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St. Polycarp was the Bishop of Smyrna and one of the foremost leaders of the Church in the second century. It is believed, however, that he was converted to the faith by St. John the Evangelist about 80 A.D. and became bishop of Smyrna about 96 A.D. He was, as was his friend St. Ignatius of Antioch, one of the most important intermediary links between the Apostolic Age and the Patristic Eras (i.e., the Age of Martyrs) in the Church, especially in Christian Asia Minor.  Polycarp was killed under the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius.

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