Neophytos VIII, Patriarch of Constantinople (1891–1894)
Neophytos was born in 1832 in Kioupkioi, today’s provincial seat of Serres. He received a complete education at various schools and for a short time he taught Greek at the Theological School of Chalki. Afterwards he went to Germany for higher studies. In 1867 he was chosen Bishop of Eleutheropolis, in 1872 he was promoted to Metropolitan of Philippopolis, and in 1880 he was transferred to the See of Adrianople. In 1886 he withdrew to Vatopaidi Monastery for a quiet life. In 1888 he was elected Metropolitan of Pelagonia, where he strongly countered Bulgarian propaganda. In 1891 he was chosen Metropolitan of Preveza, but after just three months he was elected Ecumenical Patriarch. Forced to resign in 1894, he withdrew and reposed in July of 1909. He was buried in the forecourt area of the Theological School of Chalki.
A hanging for the miracle-working icon of Our Lady Vimatarissa, a votive offering of the Ecumenical Patriarch Neophytos VIII.