Theodoros, metropolitan bishop of Tarsos, 2nd half of 7th century. Seal (Lead, 23 mm, 12.28 g, 12 h). O / AΓ/IO/C - Π/AV/ΛO/C; below bust, TAPC/OV ('Saint Paul of Tarsos'). Rev. Cruciform monogram of ΘEOΔⲰPOV MHTPOΠOΛITOV. Schlumberger, Sigillographie, p. 276, no. 1 ("Methodios"). Laurent, Corpus 1537 (with corrected reading and dating). Zacos/Veglery 2965A. Very fine.



This seal belongs to Theodoros, the metropolitan bishop of Tarsos, who attended the 6th Ecumenical Council in Constantinopolis in 680-681. This Council condemned the heresy of monothelitism, which held that Christ has two natures, human and divine, but only one will. The Council affirmed the orthodox teaching that Christ has two wills, corresponding to his two natures, and anathematized a number of clerics as heretics, including Pope Honorius I in Rome.