Modern Orthodox witness · 1907–2010
Metropolitan Augoustinos Kantiotes of Florina
Μητροπολίτης Αὐγουστῖνος Καντιώτης
Orthodox bishop, Metropolitan of Florina, Prespes and Eordaia
A widely known Greek Orthodox preacher and metropolitan who opposed ecumenism, spoke publicly on Orthodox tradition, and helped lead the anti-ecumenist movement of his period.
Life and background
Born on Paros, Kantiotes studied theology and undertook extensive pastoral preaching before becoming Metropolitan of Florina. He was a prolific author and an influential spiritual guide to clergy and lay preachers.
What was defended?
Doctrinal opposition to ecumenism and cessation of commemoration
In 1970 he was among the Greek bishops who stopped liturgical commemoration of Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras over ecumenical actions. Commemoration later resumed. His public preaching continued to emphasize Orthodox dogma and moral responsibility.
Opposition and consequences
His public stance brought substantial ecclesiastical controversy and opposition. The record of the 1970–1973 cessation must not be inflated into a claim that he permanently abandoned the Church of Greece or founded another hierarchy.
How long did it last?
Approximately 1970–1973 for the documented cessation of the Patriarch's commemoration. His broader public defense of Orthodox tradition extended for decades.
Historical distinction
Being a forceful critic does not by itself establish every proposition about church communion. This profile distinguishes the documented cessation of commemoration from later interpretations of it.
Documents and sources
Follow the original writing or contemporary reporting. No unsourced quotation is attributed to this person.