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The Martyrdom of Ignatius
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Chapter 3: Ignatius Travels to Smyrna.
THEREFORE: with great eagerness and joy, driven by his desire to suffer, he traveled from Antioch to Seleucia, from where he set sail. After enduring much suffering, he arrived in Smyrna, where he disembarked with great joy and hurried to see the holy Polycarp, formerly his fellow disciple and now the bishop of Smyrna. Both had been disciples of St. John the Apostle in earlier times. When he was brought to him, he shared some spiritual gifts and, taking pride in his bonds, asked him to work with him toward the fulfillment of his desire. He earnestly requested this from the entire Church, for the cities and Churches of Asia had welcomed the holy man through their bishops, presbyters, and deacons, all hurrying to meet him in hopes of receiving some spiritual gift from him. Above all, he implored the holy Polycarp that, through the wild beasts, he might soon leave this world and be revealed before the face of Christ.