There are websites that offer a certificate of ordination for $9.95. What a deal. However, if I had spent only the $9.95 instead of nine years getting a certificate of ordination, then I may never have heard of Polycarp.
Polycarp is a link back to the apostolic age. He was born about AD 69. He was a disciple of the evangelist John. He was martyred on February 23, AD 155..
As bishop of Smyrna (a large commercial city that is located at the end of a gulf off the Aegean Sea) he wrote a letter to the church in Philippi, where Paul started a congregation on the western side of the Aegean. His letter addressed the conduct of the people and the leaders in the church.
“Let us, then hold steadfastly and unceasingly to our Hope and the Pledge of our righteousness, that is, Christ Jesus,’ who bore our sins in his own body on the tree, who committed no sin, neither was guilt found on his lips;’ but for our sakes he endured everything that we might live in him.”
Arrested after a member his household betrayed him he was paraded through the city on a donkey. As he entered the arena a voice spoke from heaven, “Be strong, Polycarp, and play the man.” His executioners tried to persuade him to save his life by renouncing Christ. In response he said, “Eighty-six years I have served him, and he never did me wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?” A letter written back to the church at Smyrna called, The Martyrdom of Polycarp encourages believers even to this day. His name meant “bears much fruit.” So he does.
He was tied to a stake. As they were about to light the fire to burn him, He prayed, “I bless you because you have deemed me worthy of this day and hour to take my part in the number of the martyrs, in the cup of your Christ, for the resurrection to eternal life.”
Prayer
O God, the maker of heaven and earth, You gave boldness to confess Jesus Christ as King and Savior and steadfastness to die for the faith to Your venerable servant, the holy and gentle Polycarp. Grant us grace to follow his example in sharing the cup of Christ’s suffering so that we may also share in His glorious resurrection; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.”
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