St. Polycarp Of Smyrna
By CAROLE BRESLIN Researching Church history usually begins with studying the fathers of the Church. Many rely heavily on the writings on spirituality, traditions, and the development of doctrine of these men, including St. Augustine of Hippo, St. Ignatius of Antioch, St. John Chrysostom, and St. Jerome. Who are these men and why are they called fathers of the Church? There are four qualities that are considered when categorizing these fathers: They lived before the close of the eighth century, they preserved doctrinal integrity, they possessed personal sanctity, and they earned the approval of the Church. Many lived in the first few centuries after the death of Christ and are very well known, having left abundant writings that have been…Continue Reading