Join the St Shenouda Podcast as we delve into the extraordinary life and heroic martyrdom of St. Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna. Polycarp is one of the most vital figures of the early Church, serving as a "living link between the apostles and subsequent generations" of Christians. He is regarded as one of the chief Apostolic Fathers, having been a direct disciple of St. John the Evangelist and conversing with others who had personally seen Jesus Christ.

As the faithful Bishop of Smyrna (AD 69–155), Polycarp tirelessly defended orthodox teaching against emerging heresies. He famously confronted the Gnostic heretic Marcion, identifying him as the "firstborn of Satan". His life was deemed a testimony of proper discipleship and imitation of the Lord.

The climax of his journey is recounted in the Martyrdom ...