The Diocese of Orlando celebrated the feast day of Saint Polycarp this week, honoring the second-century bishop and martyr for his impact on Christianity. 

The Diocese of Orlando highlighted St. Polycarp in a Facebook post on Feb. 23, sharing a quote and calling on the saint for prayers.

“Today we honor the life of St. Polycarp — an admired Christian leader and a disciple of St. John the Apostle,” the Diocese of Orlando wrote in their Facebook post. “At 86, Polycarp was led into the crowded Smyrna stadium to be burned alive. The flames did not harm him, and he was finally killed by a dagger.”

Saint Polycarp was the Bishop of Smyrna, a disciple of Saint John the Apostle, and a friend of Saint Ignatius of Antioch. He is revered as one of the Church's apostolic fathers.

According to Catholic.org, Polycarp modeled his life after that of Jesus Christ. When he was 86 years old, Polycarp was hunted down and captured by authorities who sentenced him to be burned alive when he refused to renounce his faith. Before the fire was lit, Polycarp prayed to God, blessing him for making him worthy “of this day and hour.”

“I bless you, because I may have a part, along with the martyrs, in the chalice of your Christ, to resurrection in eternal life, resurrection both of soul and body in the incorruptibility of the Holy Spirit. May I be received today, as a rich and acceptable sacrifice, among those who are in your presence, as you have prepared and foretold and fulfilled, God who is faithful and true,” Polycarp said in his prayer.

According to eyewitnesses, a miracle occurred as the fire was lit: the flames rose up in an arch around Polycarp but didn't burn him. Instead, he glowed, before being fatally stabbed by authorities. Polycarp's feast day is celebrated each year on Feb. 23.