★ John, the metropolitan bishop of Sardeis ★

John, most beloved by God, metropolitan bishop of Sardeis, 2nd half of 10th to 1st half of 11th century. Seal (Lead, 23 mm, 5.98 g, 12 h). +KЄ ROHΘЄI Tω Cω [ΔOVΛω] Large decorated cross on steps, floral ornamants to the left and right. Rev. Iω Tω/ [Θ]ЄOΦIΛЄC/[T]ATω MH TP,/[ΠO]ΛITH CAP/ΔЄωN in five lines. DO III 32.5. Laurent, Corpus V/2, no. 1608 (erroneously attributed to Smyrna). Zacos II 173. Some flatness, otherwise, about extremely fine.

Bishops regularly bear epithets on their seals, which often emphasize their humility. On this seal, John, the metropolitan bishop of Sardeis, uses the word 'theophilestatos' to express his faith to be God's most beloved servant.