Polycarp the Holy Martyr & Bishop of Smyrna

Saints, Feasts, and Readings for 02/23/2026

Saints and Feasts: Polycarp the Holy Martyr & Bishop of Smyrna; Proterios, Archbishop of Alexandria; Gorgonia the Righteous, sister of Gregory the Theologian; Damian the New Martyr of Mount Athos; Boswell, Abbot of Melrose Abbey

Abstain from meat, dairy, eggs, fish, olive oil, wine

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 1:1-20

Old Testament Reading: Genesis 1:1-13

Old Testament Reading: Proverbs 1:1-20

Note: This is one of the strictest fast days of the year, and St. Michael keeps the Antiochian practice. For guidance on your own fast, talk to Fr. Michael.