The centurion burns the body; the church buries the bones and plans an annual commemoration
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The church of Smyrna is concluding its account of Polycarp's death, after the Jews and Nicetes tried to prevent the recovery of his body.
When the centurion saw the quarrel the Jews were making, he placed the body in the middle, as was their custom, and burned it.
So afterward we took up his bones, which are more precious than costly stones and more approved than gold, and we put them away where it was fitting.
There, whenever we can gather in gladness and joy, the Lord will grant us to celebrate the birthday of his martyrdom, for the remembrance of those who have already contended and for the training and preparation of those who will.