- The cherubim labarum of the old metropolis of Serres
- Item ID : 281
- Collection Name : Holy Metropolis of Serres
- Year : first half of the 16th century
- Place : Serres
- Labels : The cherubim’s bring consecutive inscriptions that is, the inscription of the cherubim B, is the continuation of the inscription B. This is a fact that confirms their liturgical coherence. The inscription indicts to the Triumphal Hymn.
- Τechnique : gilt silver with enamel decoration
- Dimension : 0,29μ x 0,60μ
- Απόκτηση : Δωρεά
- History : During the turbulent time of the Balkan wars the cherubim’s, along with various other relics were transferred to Bulgaria, where the place remained unknown for many decades. However, in 1995, they were found that cherubim’s were kept at the National History Museum in Sofia, with registration number 29207.
In Greek bibliography the Metropolis of Serres a cherub’s considered lost until recently. In 1995 Mrs Teofana Matakieva-Lilkova were published, which she notes that the vowel was Metropolitan Gennadius, but she didn’t indicate the place of origin. However from older posts it is known that cherub’s belonged to the Sacristy of the Cathedral of Serres.
For the first time she signed her study and based on the above mentioned older publications, she identify the cherubim’s of the National Historical Museum in Sofia with those derived from the Sacristy of the Cathedral of Serres. - Description : Each cherubim labarum, consists of a large central disk, around of which rotates six medals with six tri-lobed panels end separated from pearl-formed elevations. The cherubim disks bear cylindrical gilt metal stem, probably adapted to a wooden pole.
On both sides of the first the central disc, supplemented with cobalt blue enamel, bears the representation of Christ, seated on a throne with a round seat back and resting His foot on a footstool. He is blessing with his right hand while with his left he holds a Gospel book. Christ is clothed with ruby robe and blue cloak and accompanied by the inscription I ΗΣΟΥ) C // X (ΡΙΣΤΟ) C, which can be seen to the right and left background in circular and square frame, respectively and supplemented with blue enamel.
On either side of Christ depicted the symbols of the four evangelists - the calf and the angel on the left the lion and the eagle on the right. Around the central disc develops the first part of the inscription of the Triumphal Hymn.
The integrated around the central disk medals, which are filled with green enamel, angels depicted in bust form within the medallions in a dark blue background. They are rendered with black hair, white clothes, blue halos and holding scepter.
The tri-lobed frames that flank the central disc are filled with dark blue enamel, depicting colorful cherubim. At the point of contact with the metal cherubim, in the first aspect a six part metal knob with the inscription: ΓΕ (ΝΝΑ)/ΔΙΟΥ/ΝΝΞ exists.
In the other aspect of the disc, and the same place, is fastened with three superimposed spikes metal fittings, and therefore it is not easy to establish clear the existence of a similar inscription.
In the second disc, on both sides and centrally locate on dark blue background the figure of Christ Emmanuel in a bust form is depicted and, inscribed in polygonal glory.
He is assigned as a young beardless with brown hair, blessing with both hands. He is attired in a purple robe and a blue cloak. On either side his head two medallions filled with blue enamel, I ΗΣΟΥ) C // X (ΡΙΣΤΟ) C, exists.
In his golden halo cross with deep red antennas can be seen within, where the inscription O / Ω / N exists. The depth of the surface is filled with floral decoration, consisting of a thin wire strands. In shimmering medal, surrounding the central disc, angels are depicted in bust length with blue halos, within deep blue medallions, and dressed in shining white garments. In tri-lobed panels of deep blue, around the central disc, multicolor cherubim’s are depicted.
One side of the disc deposits is kept in very good condition, while the other side, the enamel decoration has been destroyed in the first and fifth medallion.
At the edge of the central disk develops the second part of the inscription of the Triumphal Hymn which is a continuation of the inscription of the first one.
At the point of contact of the metal stem, on the first side, (similar to the first cherubim), a metal accessory, which bears the inscription: ΓΕ (ΝΝΑ)/ΔΙΟΥ/ΝΝΞ exists. The integration metal fitting is secured with three rivets superimposed on the other side of discs, unfortunately in this case as to the previous disc, the verification of an inscription is unable to be ascertained.
The technique of the decoration of the cherubs is one of the most expensive and difficult techniques of enamel material.
Of all the views expressed, the more probable, as we have already pointed out, it seems to be that attaches the dating of the labarum cherubim’s in the first half of the 16th century, as this could be affiliated with the Metropolitan of Serres Gennadio, whose name appears on them.