His Eminence Metropolitan lakovos of Laodicea and Exarch of Phrygia was born in Ferikioi in Constantinople in 1947, where he received his elementary and secondary education at the Zographeion School. He continued his studies at the Theological School of Halki graduating in 1970.

      Following his graduation in 1970, he was appointed Patriarchal Deacon and personal assistant to the Ecumenical Patriarch. In 1973, he was appointed Codiographer and the following year he was promoted to the position of Deputy Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod. On February 28, 1984, he was promoted to the position of the Chief Secretary, and in 1987 he was elected Metropolitan of Laodicea. In 1994, he became an active Metropolitan of the Ecumenical Throne. During his ministry in the Patriarchal Court he published articles, studies and sermons in the publications of the Ecumenical Patriarchate as well as in the daily press of Turkey.