The word Smyrna is derived from the word "myrrh," a precious perfume that is made, and only gives its fragrance, when the flower is crushed. This name symbolizes a church crushed by intense persecution, radiating the fragrance of Christ.

Smyrna was an ancient city on the west coast of Asia Minor where scores of Christians were fed to wild beasts and second-century bishop Polycarp was burned at the stake. As the Roman Pro-Consul sought to convince him to save his life by renouncing Christ, Polycarp responded, "For eighty and six years have I been His servant, and He has done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King who saved me?"

Our Lord says of the Church at Smyrna, "I know your afflictions... be faithful unto death... I will give you the crown of life." -Revelation 2:9-10