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The Encyclical Epistle of the Church at Smyrna Concerning the Martyrdom of the Holy Polycarp · Chapter XVIII

The Body of Polycarp Is Burned

Page 111 of 830

The centurion then, seeing the strife excited by the Jews, placed the body468 in the midst of the fire, and consumed it. Accordingly, we afterwards took up his bones, as being more precious than the most exquisite jewels, and more purified469 than gold, and deposited them in a fitting place, whither, being gathered together, as opportunity is allowed us, with joy and rejoicing, the Lord shall grant us to celebrate the anniversary470 of his martyrdom, both in memory of those who have already finished their course,471 and for the exercising and preparation of those yet to walk in their steps.

Notes

  1. 468

    Or, "him."

  2. 469

    Or, "more tried."

  3. 470

    Literally, "the birth-day."

  4. 471

    Literally, "been athletes."

Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1, ed. Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson and A. Cleveland Coxe (1885–96). Public domain. Text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library.