Emmanuel Andronicus was born in Mylopatamo, Greece and belonged to the Sydney firm of coffee merchants, Andronicus Bros Pty Ltd. In 1907 Andronicus and his brother Charles opened a small shop selling chocolate and coffee at 127 York Street in Sydney, later moving to George Street with brothers Mick and John. Emmanuel Andronicus was active in Labor Party politics promoting Greek immigration and naturalisation. He became Greek consul in Sydney in 1924-30. He was President of ALP Greek Auxiliary and of the NSW School for Blind Children equipment committee.