John (twelfth century, first half)
Obverse
Bust of St. John the Theologian; details indistinct. On either side, epigraphy: |ι̅|οθ|εολ|ο|γο, : ὁ ἅ(γιος) Ἰω(άννης) ὁ Θεόλογο(ς). Border of dots.
Obverse
Bust of St. John the Theologian; details indistinct. On either side, epigraphy: |ι̅|οθ|εολ|ο|γο, : ὁ ἅ(γιος) Ἰω(άννης) ὁ Θεόλογο(ς). Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription of four lines. Border of dots.
ομνυ
μονσκε
πμεκυ̅
ιλε
ὁμώνυμον σκέπ(οις) με, Κ(υρίο)υ φίλε
Accession number | BZS.1955.1.3678 |
---|---|
Diameter | 19.0 mm; field: 17.0 mm |
Previous Editions | Cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden II, no. 1595. |
Translation
ὁμώνυμον σκέποις με, Κυρίου φίλε.
Beloved of the Lord, may you protect me, the one who shares your name.
Bibliography
- Corpus der byzantinischen Siegel mit metrischen Legenden, Vol. 2, Siegellegenden von Ny bis inklusive Sphragis (Open in Zotero)
Commentary
Wassiliou-Seibt remarks upon the unique use of Κυρίου φίλε ("beloved of the Lord") as a form of address to St. John the Theologian, corresponding, it would seem, with the ἠγαπημένε ("beloved one") found on other seals bearing the image of this saint. See, for instance, BZS.1958.106.333 and BZS.1958.106.334.