Johannes, metropolitan of Chonai, 2nd half 11th century. Seal (Lead, 27 mm, 16.91 g, 12 h). IⲰ CSΠOIC MЄ XⲰNⲰN ΠOIMЄNA / M - Θ ("Mother of God - Protect me, John, shepherd of Chonai") Nimbate Mother of God “Episkepsis”, raising both hands in prayer, medallion of Christ in front . Rev. APXAΓΓЄΛЄ CKЄΠC MЄ CHC ΠOIMN, ΘVT, - M-X ("Michael - Archangel, protect me, the priest of your flock") Nimbate facing bust of St. Michael, holding trefoil scepter in his right hand and globe in his left. Wassiliou-Seibt, Corpus 141=1000 (quoting several examples from public auctions). An impressive and well-centered episcopal seal. Minor breakage on the upper channel mouth, otherwise, good very fine.



Chonai (modern Honaz, in western Turkey) was a pilgrimage site marked by a healing spring dedicated to Michael. According to legend, a pagan attempt to destroy the sanctuary by diverting a river was prevented by the archangel Michael, who altered the course of the waters and miraculously protected the holy site. This event became known as the'Miracle of Chonai'.