Germanus IV of Constantinople

Germanus IV of Constantinople (Greek: Γερμανός; 1788 – 16 September 1853) served two terms as Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, from 1842 to 1845 and from 1852 until his death on 16 September 1853.

Germanus IV of Constantinople
Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople
Church	Church of Constantinople
In office	14 June 1842 – 18 April 1845 1 November 1852 – 16 September 1853
Predecessor	Anthimus V of Constantinople Meletius III of Constantinople
Successor	Anthimus IV of Constantinople Anthimus VI of Constantinople
Personal details
Born	1788
Died	16 September 1853
Denomination	Eastern Orthodoxy

In 1826–1830, he was bishop of Vidin, then bishop of Drama until 1835, when he was appointed bishop of Derkoi. He was elected to the patriarchal throne for the first time in 1842 and held the post until 1845 when he was succeeded by Meletius III of Constantinople. Restored to the throne in 1852, he occupied it until his death the next year.

During his patriarchy, he especially took care of the poor. He founded many churches, schools, libraries and orphanages. His name was particularly associated with the education of the Orthodox clergy, as he was the founder of the Theological School of Halki in the monastery of the Holy Trinity. The school operated regularly until 1971 when it was closed by law and brought forth many theologists, priests, bishops and patriarchs of note.