Cyril VI of Constantinople, the leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church, resigned from his position as the Ecumenical Patriarch primarily due to escalating pressures from the Ottoman Empire. During this period, the Ottoman Empire was experiencing significant internal strife and increasing challenges to its authority. Various ethnic and religious groups, including the Orthodox Christians, were pushing against the central authority of the Ottomans, leading to a complex dynamic between nationalistic aspirations and the imperial governance system. Cyril VI’s tenure had already been marked by conflict as he navigated the delicate balance between the Orthodox Church's interests and the demands of the Ottoman authorities. His resignation was seen as an capitulation to the resultant pressures and showcased the influence of the state over religious institutions at a time when the Empire was increasingly wary of uprisings and dissent. This act was not just a personal decision but symbolized the struggle for autonomy within the Orthodox Church in a rapidly changing socio-political landscape. Cyril's departure paved the way for subsequent patriarchs who had to continue confronting similar influences while managing the aspirations of their constituencies.

The broader context of his resignation is crucial, as it occurred within the backdrop of a growing wave of nationalism that swept across various regions under Ottoman control. The Orthodox Church had a pivotal role in shaping the national identities of Greeks and other subjects within the Empire. Cyril’s leadership was scrutinized amid these pressures, and ultimately his resignation signified a period of notable vulnerability for the patriarchate. Following his departure, the Orthodox Church struggled to retain its influence in the face of diminishing power and increasing strife. The resignation also foreshadowed further tensions between the church and state authorities in the years to come, highlighting the fragility of ecclesiastical authority in an empire on the brink of transformation. As the patriarchate faced new challenges, the relationship between the Greek Orthodox Church and the Ottoman state continued to evolve throughout the 19th century, with significant implications for both entities.