Following the death of Patriarch Gregory VII of Constantinople, on 17 November 1924, Constantine served as locum tenens.

The Greek Government under Prime Minister Andreas Michalakopoulos made strong diplomatic moves on behalf of Constantine VI, but, fearing an escalation of the situation, advised him to retire to Mount Athos.

Greek military circles led by Theodoros Pangalos asked for a resumption of hostilities with Turkey due to non-compliance with the exchange agreement.

Venizelos sided with the Greek Government, but he refused to represent the country on this matter in Geneva, as he disagreed with the action of the Synod of the Patriarchate to insist on Constantine VI's election.

Finally, he settled permanently in Nea Filadelfeia (a suburb or Athens), in a house granted to him by the Greek government.