Parthenius II of Constantinople

Parthenius II (Greek: Παρθένιος Β΄) was a Greek Orthodox cleric who served as the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople twice, from 1644 to 1646 and again from 1648 to 1651.

Biography

Born in Ioannina, Parthenius II was originally from the same region as his predecessor on the patriarchal throne. He began his ecclesiastical career as a Metropolitan of Ioannina (1632-1639) before being elected Metropolitan of Adrianopol in 1639 with the support of his predecessor, Partenio I, who had become the Patriarch of Constantinople.

During his tenure as Metropolitan of Adrianopol, Parthenius II accompanied three other Greek metropolitans from Constantinople to the relics of Saint Parascheva, which had been ceded to Moldova by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in gratitude for the payment of patriarchal debts by Vasile Lupu. He maintained cordial relations with the followers of Cyril Lucaris and, in particular, with Theophilus Korydallas during his time in Constantinople.

Election as Patriarch

After the deposition of Partenio I, Parthenius II was elected Patriarch on 8 September 1644 with the support of the people. He took the name Parthenius II and served until 1646. He was re-elected to the position from 1648 to 1651.

Life in Constantinople

Parthenius II lived most of his life in Constantinople, where he became a supporter of Cyril Lucaris.