Jeremias I of Constantinople
January 13·16th century·Greece
Jeremias I of Constantinople served as Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople twice, from 1522 to 1524 and again from 1525 until his death in 1546. He is remembered for his efforts to prevent the conversion of churches into mosques and for his formal canonization by the Orthodox Church in 2023.
Key Facts
- ›He was born in Zitsa, Epirus, in 1485.
- ›Jeremias I served as Patriarch of Constantinople from 1522 to 1524 and from 1525 to 1546.
- ›He was deposed in 1524 but restored to his position in 1525.
- ›In 1537, he secured an order from Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent to protect churches in Constantinople.
- ›Jeremias I died on January 13, 1546, in Vratsa.
- ›He was formally canonized by the Orthodox Church on January 10, 2023, with his feast day commemorated on January 13.
About Jeremias I of Constantinople
Jeremias I served as the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople during two distinct periods: from 1522 to 1524 and again from 1525 until his death in 1546. Born in 1485 in Zitsa, Epirus, his early life was marked by a lack of formal instruction. He rose to prominence, becoming the Archbishop of Sofia on or before 1513.
His first tenure as Patriarch began on December 31, 1522. Shortly after his election, he embarked on a significant journey, visiting Cyprus, Egypt, Sinai, and Palestine. During his time in Jerusalem, a pivotal event occurred: the clergy and notables of Constantinople deposed him in April or May 1524, electing Joannicius I in his place. Jeremias I responded by excommunicating Joannicius I, with the support of the Patriarchs of Alexandria and Antioch, whom he convened in Jerusalem. He was eventually restored to his patriarchal seat in Constantinople on September 24, 1525.
A notable achievement during his second patriarchate was in 1537, when Jeremias I secured an order from Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. This decree was intended to halt the conversion of churches into mosques within Constantinople, although its long-term enforcement was not guaranteed by subsequent rulers. Jeremias I died on January 13, 1546, while traveling to Wallachia, specifically in the town of Vratsa.
Canonization and Veneration
On January 10, 2023, the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople formally recognized Patriarch Jeremias I as a saint within the Orthodox Church. His annual commemoration is observed on January 13, the date of his death.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Jeremias I serve as Patriarch of Constantinople?
Jeremias I served as Patriarch of Constantinople for two periods. His first term was from 1522 to 1524, and his second term lasted from 1525 until his death in 1546.
What significant action did Jeremias I take regarding churches in Constantinople?
In 1537, Jeremias I successfully obtained an order from Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. This order aimed to prevent the conversion of churches into mosques within Constantinople.
Was Jeremias I ever deposed as Patriarch?
Yes, Jeremias I was deposed by the clergy and notables of Constantinople in April or May of 1524. He was restored to his position on September 24, 1525.
When was Jeremias I canonized?
Jeremias I was formally added to the calendar of Saints of the Orthodox Church on January 10, 2023. His annual commemoration is observed on January 13.
Where was Jeremias I from?
Jeremias I was a native of Zitsa, a region in Epirus. He was born in 1485 and reportedly raised without formal instruction.
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