Bishop Polycrates of Ephesus (AD 130–196)

Polycrates was born in Ephesus around 130 and be- came the bishop of Ephesus during the mid-100s. He likely knew Smyrna’s bishop Polycarp, Irenaeus, Hierapolis’ bishop Apollinarius Claudius, and Sardis’ bishop Melito. Polycrates is best known for a letter that he wrote to the Roman

Pope (bishop) Victor stating that the official date of Easter should be on the Jewish Passover. Pope Victor condemned Polycrates’ position and tried to ex- communicate him and his supporters from Rome. After Irenaeus and others confronted him, Victor reversed his decision. Polycrates died in 196.