Concerning the early life of Joachim before he became Patriarch of Constantinople, we know that he was Metropolitan of Drama and that he was young, not particularly learned but very able in ecclesiastic matters and striking for virtue.

[2]: 198  Georgia was Christian country independent from the Ottoman Empire and semi-autonomous from a religious point of view, but which could sometimes apply impressive influence on the patriarchal elections.

Then the rulers of Wallachia moved their support to Patriarch Pachomius I of Constantinople, who was elected in early 1503 and reigned for about one year, until early 1504[4] when the friends of Joachim I collected 3500 gold pieces to restore him on the throne (500 pieces more than the usual fee paid to the Sultan for each patriarchal appointment).

[3] Joachim I's second patriarchate lasted only a few months, shortly after being elected, Joachim I traveled north trying to restore friendly relations with his political enemies, but both Radu IV the Great of Wallachia and Bogdan III the One-Eyed of Moldavia refused to reconcile with him.

[5] Joachim I died in 1504[6] during his sojourn in Wallachia, in Târgoviște or in Drista, and he was succeeded again by Pachomius I.