Seal of St. John Replicated

Fr. George, who operates Prosphora.org, the only website in the world devoted exclusively to Orthodox Christian Holy Bread, has replicated the wooden seal of St. John (Maxomovitch) originally carved by Levan Lapiashvili. This is an example of an "Artos Stamps. Prosphora.org states that "These stamps are used for bread not consecrated forcommunion. Called eulogia bread in Greek, these breads were offered for services in which they were blessed and distributed (i.e. the Artoklasia of Great Vespers, memorials, feastdays, etc.). For example, the Monastery of St. Katherine in Sinai still has the practice of distributing bread amongst the poor sahidi that live around the monastery during the celebration of the monastery's feastday. Ancient typika often make reference to the distribution of blessed bread, which sustained the monks during long services. Monasteries and churches would often have their own stamps, usually with the image of a patron saint."

These seals are now available from Prosphora.org. Scroll down about 3/5s of the page.

Stages in the Creation of the Reproduction Click on the images to see a larger view.
Preparing to make the mold. The original seal.
The mold curing. It takes a few days.
The mold and a finished product. The reddish tint on the new stamp is from sawdust that was lodged in the pores of the wood. Yes, it is that accurate!
The seal ready for purchase from Prosphora.org
Here is the first batch the we made at St. John's, one loaf of which will be presented to our bishop when he arrives tonight (Nov. 4, 2005). Here was the best of the batch...if anyone uses the seal and makes better loafs (it would not be hard) please send us a picture......