Polycarp, St

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Polycarp, St (c.69–c.155). Christian bishop of Smyrna in Asia Minor. His Letter to the Philippians is preserved, as well as one of Ignatius' letters addressed to him. According to the contemporary Martyrdom of Polycarp he was arrested during a pagan festival and, on his refusing to recant his faith, burnt to death. Feast day, 23 Feb.

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