Joachim II Patriarch of Constantinople Date of Birth: 01.01.1802 Country: Turkey

1. Early Life and Career
2. First Patriarchate
3. Second Patriarchate and Death

Early Life and Career

Gregory VI was born around 1802 in the village of Kalimasia on the island of Chios. He was a maternal uncle to the future Patriarch Joachim IV (1884-1886). In December 1827, he was ordained as Bishop of Dryinoupolis. He was transferred to the see of Ioannina in July 1835, removed to Mount Athos in August 1838, and restored to the Ioannina see two years later. In April 1845, he was transferred to Cyzicus.

First Patriarchate

Gregory VI was elected Ecumenical Patriarch on October 4, 1860, succeeding Patriarch Cyril VII. He convened a synod on February 24, 1861, which deposed and exiled the leaders of the Bulgarian movement: Metropolitans Hilarion of Makariopolis, Auxentius of Veles, and Paisius of Plovdiv.

As the first Ecumenical Patriarch elected for life under the provisions of the Common Regulations, Gregory initially resisted their implementation but was forced to comply by the Synod and the Porte in early 1862. However, he was forced to abdicate on August 18, 1863, due to dissatisfaction within the Synod.

Second Patriarchate and Death

Gregory VI was re-elected on November 23, 1873, and held the patriarchal throne until his death on August 5, 1878. He was buried at the monastery in Valoukli.