Joachim III of Constantinople

Joachim III of Constantinople, born on January 30, 1834, in the vibrant city of Constantinople, was a distinguished Eastern Orthodox priest of Aromanian descent from Kruševo. His early education took place in Vienna, where he laid the foundation for a life dedicated to the church and its community.

His ecclesiastical journey began as a deacon in the holy temple of St. George from 1858 to 1861. By 1864, he ascended to the position of bishop of Varna, followed by his appointment as bishop of Thessalonica in 1874. Joachim's first tenure as Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople spanned from 1878 to 1884, during which he focused on enhancing the financial stability of the Patriarchate.

In 1880, he founded the magazine Truth, which served as a platform for his charitable initiatives and reflections on the church's role in society. His leadership is often regarded as pivotal in the context of the twentieth century, marking him as one of the most significant patriarchs of modern times.

Joachim III was not without controversy; in his 1911 encyclical, he condemned the use of the Aromanian language in church services, threatening clergy with defrocking and excommunication for noncompliance. He also made numerous attempts to resolve the Bulgarian schism, though these efforts largely proved unsuccessful.

A member of the Masonic lodge «Πρόοδος», Joachim III was recognized for his contributions with prestigious awards, including the Serbian Order of the Cross of Takovo and the Austro-Hungarian Order of St. Stephen.