[1] Member of the Aromanian community,[2] Matthew was born in the village Klinovos (now part of Kalabaka), and he became Metropolis of Ioannina.
During this Patriarchate, Matthew II transferred the patriarchal see from the Church of St. Demetrius Xyloportas, used since 1597, to the unimpressive church of the women's monastery of St. George in the Phanar, where it remains until today as St. George's Cathedral.
[4] The Phanar district then became the recognised centre of Greek Christian life in the city.
He remained on the throne until January 1602, when he returned to Mount Athos.
Once again, he ascended to the throne in January 1603 and reigned for seventeen days, either until his death,[1] or, according to other sources, until he retired to Mount Athos, where he died in the same year.