 In 1908, Elias was consecrated bishop of Amid by Patriarch Ignatius Abded Aloho II, upon which he took the name Iwanius.In 1912, he was transferred to Mosul where he served until his elevation to the patriarchate in 1917.After the death of the Patriarch Abded Aloho II in 1915, Mor Iwanius was elected Patriarch and assumed the throne in 1917.