Gabriel II of Constantinople was an Orthodox prelate who served as the Ecumenical Patriarch in 1657. Born around 1550, he held various ecclesiastical roles, including serving as the Metropolitan of Ganos and Chora. Although his tenure as Patriarch lasted only one week due to his deposition by the Holy Synod, he later served as the administrator of the Metropolitan See of Prousa. His life ended in 1659 in Bursa, where he faced execution under the Ottoman Empire for his religious convictions.
Life and death
After being deposed from the patriarchal throne, Gabriel served as the administrator of Prousa. During this time, he faced accusations of baptizing a Muslim, though historical accounts suggest the individual was actually Jewish. He was also accused of maintaining ties with Russia during its conflict with the Ottoman Empire. Following his arrest by the Grand vizier, Gabriel refused to convert to Islam. He was subsequently tortured and executed by hanging in 1659.
Veneration
The church recognizes him as the New Hieromartyr Gabriel II, Metropolitan of Prousa. Because of his refusal to renounce his Christian faith before his death, he is honored as a martyr. In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, his feast day is observed annually on 3 December.