Armenian Church commemorates Sts. Cornelius the Centurion, Simeon, martyred in Jerusalem, and Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna

Today, the Armenian Church commemorates Saints Cornelius the Centurion, Simeon, martyred in Jerusalem, and Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna.

Cornelius was born in Caesarea. He was the commander in the Italian regiment, and he had believed in Christ and had become a true Christian. Apostle Peter had baptized him and the members of his family. He was called “Second Abraham” for being fair and honest-minded. He preached and worked wonders in Jerusalem. When he was already advanced in years, he was subjected to torments and martyred. The sick have visited the saint’s tomb and have been healed.

St. Simeon was the nephew of Joseph, father of Jesus. After the death of James, brother of Jesus, he became the Bishop of Jerusalem. He was subjected to torments by King Trajan and was crucified in Jerusalem at the age of 120.

The word “Polycarpus” means “fruitful” in Greek. St. Polycarp was born in 70 AD and was one of the disciples of Evangelist St. John, who ordained him the Bishop of Smyrna in 96 AD. He has struggled against heretics. The emperor of Byzantine imprisoned him and forced him to renounce Christ, but Polycarp refused to obey the emperor, saying, “I have served Christ, and I can’t renounce the Savior.” In 166, the executioners put his hands and feet into chains and burnt. One letter from Polycarp addressed to Phrygians has been preserved, which is the first document concerning the martyred Christians.

During the lifetime of Polycarp, twelve Christians came to Smyrna. They were called eastern martyrs, as upon the order of the emperor, they were thrown before the beasts.