St. Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna and Martyr

St. Polycarp (c. 69 - c. 155 AD) was a Christian bishop of Smyrna (modern-day Izmir, Turkey) and an important early Church figure. He was a disciple of the apostle John and is believed to have been consecrated as bishop by John. Polycarp was a staunch defender of the Christian faith and courageously suffered martyrdom during the persecutions under the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius. He is venerated as one of the Apostolic Fathers and is remembered for his steadfast commitment to the gospel. St. Polycarp is the patron saint of those suffering from earaches and is invoked against dangers from wild animals.