Sabbas (monk?) (tenth/eleventh century)
Obverse
Bust of the Virgin with both hands raised in front of her. Sigla to left and right: ΘΥ: Μήτηρ Θεοῦ. Above sigla to left, and to right, . Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription in six lines. Border of dots.
σον
σααν
οικτρο,
ικετ,αγ
νησκε
π,
Σὸν Σάββαν οἰκτρὸν ἱκέτην ἀγνὴ σκέποις
Obverse
Bust of the Virgin with both hands raised in front of her. Sigla to left and right: ΘΥ: Μήτηρ Θεοῦ. Above sigla to left, and to right, . Border of dots.
Reverse
Inscription in six lines. Border of dots.
σον
σααν
οικτρο,
ικετ,αγ
νησκε
π,
Σὸν Σάββαν οἰκτρὸν ἱκέτην ἀγνὴ σκέποις
| Accession number | BZS.1958.106.4505 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 27.0 mm; field: 17.0 mm |
| Previous Editions | John Cotsonis, "The Virgin with the 'Tongues of Fire' on Byzantine lead seals," DOP 48 (1994), 221-227; cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden II, no. 2242. |
Translation
Σὸν Σάββαν οἰκτρὸν ἱκέτην ἀγνὴ σκέποις.
Pure One, may you protect your unworthy servant Sabbas.
Commentary
Dodecasyllable. This individual calls himself "unworthy" which may be an indication of his monastic vocation, or may merely indicate his piety.