Policarpo, de Esmira, Mártir.

On this day - February 23

Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna, is martyred.

Reportedly a disciple of the Apostle John, at age 86 he was taken to be burned at the stake.

"You  try to frighten me with fire

that burns for an hour 

and forget the fire of hell 

that never burns out !" 

he said.

The flames, legend says, would not touch him, and when he was run through with a sword, his blood put the fire out.