He was from Constantinople. He became patriarch in a very difficult period and succeeded to relax the hearts and minds with his mild and diplomat character, finding a way to satisfy both sides. The French academician said : "in our days , the East has three diplomats", and he named Azarian one of them.

The seat of Ardzivian being transferred to the Capital, he was called to expand his activity, undertaking missions with governmental levels. Azarian was designated patriarch.
In 1890, Azarian assembled the Sacerdotal legislative synod and established educational institutions in Constantinople and provinces.
He had the skill of theological, clerical and scientific issues. He was speaking and writing 8 languages. He was the author of many publications.