But when at length he brought his prayer to an end, after remembering all who at any time had come in his way, small and great, high and low, and all the universal Church throughout the world, the hour of departure being come, they seated him on a donkey and brought him into the city, it being a high Sabbath.[1]
But when the pile was made ready, divesting himself of all his upper garments[2] and loosing his belt, he endeavored also to take off his shoes, though not in the habit of doing this before, because all the faithful at all times vied eagerly who should soonest touch his flesh. For he had been treated with all honor for his holy life even before his gray hairs came.
Immediately then the instruments that were prepared for the pile were placed about him. As they were going likewise to nail him to the stake, he said: "Leave me as I am; for He that has granted me to endure the fire will grant me also to remain at the pyre unmoved, even without the security which you seek from the nails."
So they did not nail him, but tied him. Then he, placing his hands behind him and being bound to the stake, like a noble ram out of a great flock for an offering, a burnt sacrifice made ready and acceptable to God, looking up to heaven said: "O Lord God Almighty, the Father of Your beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ, through whom we have received the knowledge of You, the God of angels and powers and of all creation and of the whole race of the righteous, who live in Your presence;
I bless You because You have granted me this day and hour, that I might receive a portion amongst the number of martyrs in the cup[3] of Your Christ unto resurrection of eternal life, both of soul and of body, in the incorruptibility of the Holy Spirit. May I be received among these in Your presence this day, as a rich and acceptable sacrifice, as You did prepare and reveal it beforehand, and have accomplished it, You that art the faithful and true God.
For this cause, yea and for all things, I praise You, I bless You, I glorify You,[4] through the eternal and heavenly High-priest, Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son, through Whom, with Him and the Holy Spirit, be glory both now and ever and for the ages to come. Amen."
When he had offered up the Amen and finished his prayer, the firemen lighted the fire. And, a mighty flame flashing forth, we to whom it was given to see, saw a marvel, yea and we were preserved that we might relate to the rest what happened.
The fire, making the appearance of a vault, like the sail of a vessel filled by the wind, made a wall round about the body of the martyr; and it was there in the midst, not like flesh burning, but like a loaf in the oven or like gold and silver refined in a furnace.[5] For we perceived such a fragrant smell, as if it were the wafted odor of frankincense or some other precious spice.
[1] Early in the Account we are led to connect this event to the Sabbath, the day in which our Lord Rested in the Tomb and destroyed the power of death.
[2] “divesting” of clothes is an image which would connect the hearer of this account to their Holy Saturday (High Sabbath) Baptism.
[3] This prayer of Polycarp has many parallels with the liturgical prayers of the Anaphora, making direct reference to the cup of Christ (which is unto resurrection and eternal life), sacrifice, and the High-Priesthood of Christ who has always been understood as the True celebrant of the Mysteries of whom the Bishop and later the Presbyter are types and Icons.
[4] “Σὲ ὑμνοῦμεν, σὲ εὐλογοῦμεν, σοὶ εὐχαριστοῦμεν, Κύριε, καὶ δεόμεθά σου, ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν.” Hymn chanted at the time of the consecration.
[5] Polycarp has become a Eucharist!
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