Mitrofan

This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Metrophánes (Μητροφάνης),” composed of two elements: “mḗtēr (μήτηρ) mētrós (μητρός)” (mother, source, origin) plus “phaínō ‎(φαίνω)” (to appear, bring to light, show, uncover, reveal, make known), also present in Aristophanes and Theophanes. In turn, the name means “the one who reveals himself to the mother, the revelation of the mother.” 1) Saint Metrophanes was the bishop of Byzantium from 306 to 314. He may have retired from his episcopacy and died as late as 326. 2) Metrophanes II served as Bishop of Cyzicus in Asia Minor when he was called to join the delegation of bishops attending the Council of Florence. 3) Metrophanes III of Byzantium was Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople two times, from 1565 to 1572, and from 1579 to 1580.