St Polycarp was known as the bishop of Smyrna (modern Izmir, Turkey), the disciple of St John the Apostle and friend of St Ignatius of Antioch. He was a revered Christian leader during the first half of the second century. At the age of 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. Polycarp is the patron saint against earaches.