St. Polycarp, February 23
Bishop of Smyrna and a disciple of the Apostle John, Polycarp was burned at the stake around 155 at age 86. When told to curse Christ, he answered that he had served him 86 years and he had done him no wrong. The account of his death is the oldest martyrdom story outside the New Testament.
On the General Roman Calendar, February 23 is a memorial: Saint Polycarp, bishop and martyr.
Name days on February 23
In countries that keep name days, February 23 is the day for people named Polycarp.
| Name | Feast day |
|---|---|
| Polycarp | February 23 |
February 23 on the calendar
February 23 is the 54th day of the year, with 311 days left until December 31. Here is the day of the week it falls on in the coming years:
| Year | Day |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Monday |
| 2027 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | Friday |
| 2030 | Saturday |
Keeping February 23
February 23 falls in winter. As a memorial, the saint is named in the opening prayer of every Mass celebrated that day. Families who keep name days often mark the day with a card, a candle or a favorite meal, and parishes named after the saint may hold a festival. If you know someone named Polycarp, it is a good day to send a note.
Saints of the week around February 23
| Date | Saint or feast |
|---|---|
| February 20 | Sts. Francisco and Jacinta Marto |
| February 21 | St. Peter Damian |
| February 22 | Chair of St. Peter |
| February 24 | St. Ethelbert of Kent |
| February 25 | St. Walburga |
| February 26 | St. Porphyry of Gaza |
The day before, February 22, is the day of Chair of St. Peter. The day after, February 24, belongs to St. Ethelbert of Kent. Looking for a name? Try the name day calendar or go back to today’s saint.