Metropolitan Photios (Savvaides) was a senior hierarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate The bulk of his episcopal ministry was served as primate of the Metropolis of Imbros and Tenedos. In this role, he succeeded Metropolitan Demetrius, who had been elected Ecumenical Patriarch. At his death he was first hierarch of the Ecumenical Throne, holding the office of Metropolitan of the senior see of Heraclea, Exarch of Thrace and Macedonia.