The Martyrdom of Polycarp

So they did not nail him, but tied him. Then he, placing his hands behind him and being bound to the stake, like a noble ram out of a great flock for an offering, a burnt sacrifice made ready and acceptable to God, looking up to heaven said;

'O Lord God Almighty,

the Father of Thy beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ,

through whom we have received the knowledge of Thee,

the God of angels and powers and of all creation

and of the whole race of the righteous, who live in Thy presence;

I bless Thee for that Thou hast granted me this day and hour,

that I might receive a portion amongst the number of martyrs

in the cup of [Thy] Christ unto resurrection of eternal life,

both of soul and of body,

in the incorruptibility of the Holy Spirit.

May I be received among these in Thy presence this day,

as a rich and acceptable sacrifice,

as Thou didst prepare and reveal it beforehand,

and hast accomplished it,

Thou that art the faithful and true God.

For this cause, yea and for all things,

I praise Thee, I bless Thee,

I glorify Thee, through the eternal and heavenly High-priest,

Jesus Christ, Thy beloved Son,

through whom with Him and the Holy Spirit be glory

both now [and ever] and for the ages to come. Amen.'