Archbishop Michael of America

Archbishop Michael (May 27, 1892 – July 13, 1958), born Thucydides Konstantinides , was the Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America from December 18, 1949, until his death on July 13, 1958. He succeeded Athenagoras who assumed the position of Patriarch of the Church of Constantinople in January 1949.

Early life and education Thucydides Konstantinides was born on May 27, 1892 in Maroneia of Western Thrace. He was admitted to the Theological School of Halki in 1907.

Early career He was ordained a deacon in 1914, after which he took the Michael as his ecclesiastical name.

Archbishop of America Michael was elected Archbishop of North and South America on October 11, 1949. He was enthroned as Archbishop on December 18, 1949.

In 1950, Archbishop Michael founded the Greek Orthodox Youth of America organization.

Archbishop Michael would have accepted the throne as Archbishop of America earlier in 1949, but he was not the first choice to replace Athenagoras I. Archbishop Timotheos Evangelinidis was elected to replace Athenagoras in June 1949, but suffered a series of heart attacks before taking the throne in America, and chose to remain the Metropolitan of Australia and New Zealand until his death later that year.

He died on July 13, 1958 in New York City.