Basileios, metropolitan bishop of Neokaisareia, 10th century. Seal (Lead, 23 mm, 7.99 g, 12 h). +KЄ ROHΘЄI TⲰ CⲰ ΔOVΛⲰ - Θ / Γ,/ΓO - O / Θ/AV/M, Nimbate, facing bust of St. Gregory the Miracle-Worker, raising his right hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels in his left hand.
Rev. +RACI/ΛЄIⲰ MH/TPOΠOΛI/TH NЄOKE/CAPЄIA’ in five lines, within pearled circle, within pearled border. Laurent V/1 490. A rare episcopal seal with the image of an extremely rare Saint. Some scratches
, otherwise, good very fine.
From a European collection, formed before 2005.
It is not a coincidence that the metropolitan of Neocaesarea would choose St. Gregory Thaumaturgus, the Miracle Worker, as his patron saint. St. Gregory was born in that city in the 3rd century. Although he initially pursued a legal career, after studying under the Christian scholar Origen in Alexandria, Gregory converted to Christianity. When Gregory returned home and, he became bishop of his birth city and began spreading the Christian faith through preaching and numerous miracles. According to his hagiography, these miracles included healing the sick, exorcising demons, and even moving a mountain. By the time of his death around 270 AD, it was said that only seventeen pagans remained in Neocaesarea.
