St. Polycarp of Smyrna, Bishop/Martyr - d. c. 156

 

The testimony of St. Irenaeus: 

"...Polycarp, besides being instructed by the Apostles and acquainted with many who had seen the Lord, was also appointed by the Apostles for Asia as bishop of the church in Smyrna. Even I saw him in my early youth; for he remained with us a long time, and at a great age suffered martyrdom full of glory and renown and departed this life, having taught always the things which he had learned from the Apostles, which the Church hands down, which alone are true. There testify to these things all the churches throughout Asia, and the successors of Polycarp down to this day, testimonies to the truth far more trustworthy and reliable than Valentinus and Marcion and the other misguided persons..."