Stephanos, metropolitan bishop of Antioch in Pisidia, 7th century. Seal (Lead, 24 mm, 12.36 g, 12 h). CTЄΦA/NOV The Mother of God holding infant Christ, both nimbate, crosses on either side. Rev. MH/TPOΠO/ΛHT૪ ΠI/CHΔHA/C in five lines. Unpublished in the standard references. An extremely rare and interesting early ecclesiastic seal. Minor surface roughness, otherwise, very fine.



The owner of our seal can be identified as Stephanos, metropolitan of Antioch in Pisidia, who participated in the 6th Ecumenical Council (680/81). He was part of a large group of bishops who joined only after the council’s outcome was secure - likely to avoid unnecessary controversy and protect their positions. Stephanos also appears as an attendee of the Quinisext Council (691/92) in Constantinople.