An exceptional Byzantine silver ring with a gold inlay, featuring the holy trinity. The first of the early church fathers to be recorded using the word 'Trinity' was Theophilus of...
An exceptional Byzantine silver ring with a gold inlay, featuring the holy trinity. The first of the early church fathers to be recorded using the word "Trinity" was Theophilus of Antioch writing in the late 2nd century. He defines the Trinity as God, His Word (Logos) and His Wisdom (Sophia). The figure on top can be identified as the Father, who is typically portrayed as a bearded man. The usual depiction of the Father as an older man with a white beard may derive from the biblical Ancient of Days. At the bottom, on the Father's right hand there is the Son (Jesus) and on his side the Holy Spirit with the spiked halo, symbol of holiness. The silver mount of the ring on its expanding shoulders, around the gold inset, is decorated with two concentric rows of incised dots. The ring is in very good conditions.