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Biography
Athanasius V (Greek: Αθανάσιος Ε΄) served as Ecumenical Patriarch during the period 1709-1711.
He descended from Crete. He studied in Halle, Saxony and was distinguished for his wide education, multilingualism (Latin, Arabic) and deep knowledge of ecclesiastic music. Firstly, he was elected Metropolitan bishop of Veliko Tarnovo and then, in 1692, of Edirne.
After Cyprianus of Constantinople's deposition and exile to Mount Athos, Cyril, metropolitan bishop of Cyzicus, was elected Patriarch, but after the intervention of the Grand Vizier Çorlulu Ali Pasha, Athanasius V became Patriarch. During his reign he was suspected of pro-Catholic tendencies.
On 4 December 1711 he was deposed and Cyril IV of Constantinople was restored to the throne. Then he dedicated his to studying until his death. He made great work in the domain of ecclesiastic music.