Christian Martyrs, Heroes of the Faith Collection

" ... [we] took his bones which are more valuable than precious stones and finer than refined gold, and laid them in a suitable place where the Lord will premit us to gather ourselves together in gladness and joy and to celebrate the birthday of his martyrdom."

(A disciple's account of preservation of relics of Saint Martyr Polycarp written shortly after he was burned at the stake in the year of 156 or 157, which is the earliest record of honor paid to relics of a Holy Christian Martyr.)