Metrophanes II of Constantinople

Metrophanes II of Constantinople was Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople within the Church of Constantinople during the period 1440-1443. He served as Bishop of Cyzicus in Asia Minor when he was called to join the delegation of bishops attending the Council of Florence. He was appointed by the Emperor John VIII Palaiologos on 4 May 1440 as successor to Joseph II of Constantinople following the death of the latter in Florence. For his submission to the Union, he was contemptuously nicknamed Mitrofonos (Mother-Killer) by anti-Unionists. Metrophanes II consecrated several unionist bishops and repeatedly pressed Emperor John VIII to support the union openly. John VIII finally agreed to summon a local council of bishops, but Metrophanes II died before the council could meet.