★ Johannes, bishop of Laranda (?) ★

Johannes, bishop of Laranda (?), mid 11th century. Seal (Lead, 25 mm, 6.00 g, 12 h). Θ / IⲰ - Є Half length bust of St. John (the Apostle?), raising his right hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels in his left. Rev. +IⲰ Є/ΛAXICT, / ЄΠICKO, / ΛAPAN/ΔЄ in five lines. Unpublished in the standard references. Some flatness, otherwise, good very fine.

Johannes uses a term of humility, 'elachistos', meaning the least, smallest or most insignificant. The bishopric of Laranda seems to be unattested on seals.