He was born in the village of Stypsi in Lesvos in 1871 and later studied at the [[Halki|Theological School of Halki]]. In 1912 he became Metropolitan of Rhodes, and in 1913, Metropolitan of Silyvria, and then later, Metropolitan of Philippolis. In 1921 he was elected Metropolitan of [[NicaeaNicea]] and in 1933 as Metropolitan of Iraklion.