Αυγουστίνος Καντιώτης



Archive for the ‘BIOGRAPHY BISHOP AUGOUST. English’ Category

A VOICE CRYYING OUT – «ΦΩΝΗ ΒΟΩΝΤΟΣ» ΑΠΟ ΤΗ ΖΩΗ & ΤΑ ΕΡΓΑ ΤΟΥ π. ΑΥΓΟΥΣΤΙΝΟΥ ΚΑΝΤΙΩΤΟΥ, ΩΣ ΙΕΡΟΚΗΡΥΚΟΣ (1907-1967) Μερος Α´ (ΒΙΝΤΕΟ, ΤΩΡΑ ΚΑΙ ΣΤΑ ΑΓΓΛΙΚΑ)

author Posted by: Επίσκοπος on date Φεβ 4th, 2019 | filed Filed under: BIOGRAPHY BISHOP AUGOUST. English, ΑΓΩΝΕΣ, ΒΙΟΓΡΑΦ. π. ΑΥΓΟΥΣΤ.

«ΦΩΝΗ ΒΟΩΝΤΟΣ» – A VOICE CRYYING OUT

Πρωτότυπη στα Ἑλληνικά ΑΠΟ ΤΗ ΖΩΗ & ΤΑ ΕΡΓΑ ΤΟΥ π. ΑΥΓΟΥΣΤΙΝΟΥ ΚΑΝΤΙΩΤΟΥ, ΩΣ ΙΕΡΟΚΗΡΥΚΟΣ (1907-1967) Μερος Α

ΕΔΩ: https://youtu.be/Xlb7GdnZwQs

4219881

A VOICE CRYYING OUT – «ΦΩΝΗ ΒΟΩΝΤΟΣ»

ΑΠΟ ΤΗ ΖΩΗ & ΤΑ ΕΡΓΑ ΤΟΥ π. ΑΥΓΟΥΣΤΙΝΟΥ ΚΑΝΤΙΩΤΟΥ (1907-1967) Μερος Α´

ΤΩΡΑ ΚΑΙ ΣΤΑ ΑΓΓΛΙΚΑ

Crying out English version

____________


___________

A VOICE CRYYING OUT = «ΦΩΝΗ ΒΟΩΝΤΟΣ» ΑΠΟ ΤΗ ΖΩΗ & ΤΑ ΕΡΓΑ ΤΟΥ π. ΑΥΓΟΥΣΤΙΝΟΥ ΚΑΝΤΙΩΤΟΥ (1907-1967) Μερος Α´

ΤΩΡΑ ΚΑΙ ΣΤΑ ΑΓΓΛΙΚΑ

Μὲ χαρὰ ἡ ἱερὰ μονὴ Ἀγίου Αὐγουστίνου, Φλωρίνης, παρουσιαζει τὴν ζωὴ καὶ τὰ ἔργα τοῦ Γέροντος ὲπισκοπου Αὐγουστίνου Καντιώτη, ὡς ἱεροκήρυκα και στην Αγγλικὴ γλώσσα. Αν υπάρχει ενδιαφέρον απο τους πιστούς και ζητηθεῖ  η ζωή και τό έργο του ως επισκόπου,  θα γίνη και η μετάφραση τοῦ Β´ μέρους, στὴν ἴδια γλώσσα.

With joy, the Holy Monastery of St. Augustine, Florina, Greece, οffers to all, the life and works of Fr. Augoustinos Kantiotes as a preacher, now in English. We await your response as to whether you would like to see his life as a bishop, in English as well.

Χαμηλότερη ὰνάλυση που φέρει στην αρχή και την αφίσα Read more »

NEO BIBΛΙΟ ΣΤΑ ΑΓΓΛΙΚΑ, ΜΕ ΣΥΝΤΟΜΟ ΒΙΟΓΡΑΦΙΚΟ ΤΟΥ ΑΓΩΝΙΣΤΟΥ ΤΗΣ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΙΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟΥ ΕΘΝΟΥΣ (NEW IN CIRCULATION METROPOLITAN AUGOUSTINOS N. KANTIOTES A SHORT BIOGRAPHY)

author Posted by: admin on date Αυγ 17th, 2015 | filed Filed under: BIOGRAPHY BISHOP AUGOUST. English

NEW IN CIRCULATION METROPOLITAN AUGOUSTINOS N. KANTIOTES A SHORT BIOGRAPHY

NEO BIBΛΙΟ ΣΤΑ ΑΓΓΛΙΚΑ

COVER.indd

…Fr. Augoustinos Kantiotes was born in 1907 on the island of Paros, Greece. As a priest-monk he travelled throughout Greece, where his fiery preaching stirred people to a greater love for Christ and their suffering nation. But it was the war years and the messages he preached were not popular with the German and Italian Occupants, and later in the Civil War, with the Communists. Fr. Augoustinos’ adventure-filled life included many trials and tribulations, and he miraculously escaped death many times. Loved and revered by the populace, Divine Providence saw him elected bishop of Florina in 1967, where he energetically continued to care for his flock’s spiritual and material needs. But his immense popularity and his battles against corruption often disgruntled those in positions of power, and Fr. Augoustinos was subject to many persecutions, including a (failed) attempt by the government to medically diagnose him as officially insane. However none of these persecutions deterred him in his quest to uphold the Truth, and inspired by a self-sacrificing love for God and his neighbour, he influenced myriads of people and changed countless lives, up until his passing into eternal life in 2010, at the grand age of 103. Even today, his bold example, the numerous books he authored, and the publications of his sermons in print and audio form, continue to influence people to a higher standard of living.
Fr. Augoustinos is well known throughout Greece and to Greeks abroad, but this is the first time his Life is presented in English. It is a short summary of a life that, if everything were to be written in detail, would fill encyclopaedia volumes. We invite you to join Fr. Augoustinos in his journeys…

For orders:
e-mail: imaaflo@yahoo.gr
Fax:(+30) 23850 24042
phone:
Holy Monastery of St. Augoustine, Florina:
(+30) 23850 28610
Othodox Christian Brotherhood «AGAPI», Florina
(Bookshop «ELAFOS»): (30) 23850 28868

ΠΡΟΣΚΛΗΣΗ MHTΡΟΠΟΛΙΤΟΥ ΦΛΩΡΙΝΗΣ, Σ’ ΟΛΟΥΣ ΤΟΥΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΕΣ

author Posted by: admin on date Ιούλ 10th, 2014 | filed Filed under: BIOGRAPHY BISHOP AUGOUST. English, ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛΕΣ

 

Ολοι οι συγχρονοι Ελληνες ενωμενοι να εξηγερθουν

και να επαναλαβουν το ιστορικο «ΟΧΙ»

(Συνέντευξις του Μητροπολίτου Φλωρίνης π. Αυγουστίνου Καντιώτου εἰς τὸν τηλεοπτικὸν σταθμὸν «Ἀντέννα»
τὴν 14-11-1992)

  Μητρ. Φλ. Αυγ & Κοζ. ΔιονΑΠΑΝΤΩΝΤΕΣ εἰς τὸ ἐρώτημά σας λέγομεν, ὅτι ἡ ἀγαπητή μας πατρίς, ἡ Ἑλλάς, μετὰ τὴν καταστροφὴν τῆς Μ. Ἀσίας καὶ τὴν ἀνταλλαγὴν τῶν πληθυσμῶν ἀπέβη τὸ πλέον ὁμοιογενὲς ἔθνος τῆς Εὐρώπης καὶ τοῦ κόσμου, πλὴν τῆς μικρᾶς γωνίας τοῦ Ἕβρου, ὅπου ἐν πάσῃ ἐλευθερίᾳ, ἵνα μὴ εἴπωμεν ἀσυδοσίᾳ, ζοῦν καὶ μουσουλμᾶνοι.
Δὲν εἴμεθα φιλοπόλεμοι. Θέλομεν ἡ εἰρήνη νὰ βασιλεύῃ εἰς παγκόσμιον κλίμακα. Ἀλλ᾿ ἐὰν ὅμως ἐχθροί, οἱονδήποτε ὄνομα καὶ ἂν φέρουν, ἐπιχειρήσουν νὰ προσβάλουν τὴν ἀκεραιότητα τοῦ ἑλληνικοῦ ἐδάφους καὶ τὴν ἐλευθερίαν, τὸ τιμιώτατον τοῦτο ἀγαθόν, ὅλοι οἱ σύγχρονοι Ἕλληνες, εἴτε κατοικοῦν εἰς τὴν Ἑλλάδα εἴτε εἰς τὸ ἐξωτερικόν, ὡς εἷς ἄνθρωπος θὰ ἐξεγερθοῦν καὶ θὰ πολεμήσουν μέχρις ἐσχάτων ὑπὲρ πίστεως καὶ πατρίδος, ἐπαναλαμβάνοντες τὸ ἱστορικὸν «ΟΧΙ». Καὶ ὅπως τότε ἀγγλικὴ ἐφημερὶς ἔγραψεν, ὅτι οἱ Ἕλληνες ἐπολέμησαν ὡς οἱ τριακόσιοι τοῦ Λεωνίδα, οὕτω καὶ τώρα οἱ Ἕλληνες θὰ προβάλωμεν ἀντίστασιν ἡρωικήν, ἔστω καὶ ἂν μᾶς ἀρνηθοῦν τὴν βοήθειάν των οἱ σύμμαχοι, ὡς καὶ κατὰ τὸ παρελθόν, ὅτε καιομένης τῆς Σμύρνης τὰ μεγάλα θωρηκτὰ τῶν λεγομένων συμμάχων δὲν ἔρριψαν οὔτε μίαν βολήν, ἀλλ᾿ ἄφησαν τὴν προκυμαίαν τῆς Σμύρνης νὰ γεμίσῃ ἀπὸ πτώματα τῆς τουρκικῆς θηριωδίας καὶ νὰ κοκκινίσῃ ἡ θάλασσα. Εἶπε τότε ὁ Ἀμερικανὸς πρόξενος· «Ντρέπομαι ποὺ εἶμαι Ἀμερικανός».
Αὐτὰ τὰ ὀλίγα εἶχον νὰ εἴπω ὁ γέρων ἐπίσκοπος, ὅστις, ὑπηρετῶν εἰς τὴν γωνίαν αὐτὴν τῆς πατρίδος ἐπὶ 25ετίαν καὶ πλέον, φυλάσσω  μετὰ τοῦ λαοῦ Θερμοπύλας.
Τὸ κρατίδιον τῶν Σκοπίων, τὸ ὁποῖον ἐδημιούργησε τὸ πονηρὸν σχέδιον τῶν ἀθέων κομμουνιστῶν Τίτο καὶ Στάλιν ὡς σφῆνα εἰς τὰ Βαλκάνια, θέλω νὰ ἐλπίζω ὅτι δὲν θὰ τολμήσῃ νὰ θίξῃ τὴν ἀκεραιότητα καὶ τὴν ἐλευθερίαν τῆς μικρᾶς ἀλλ᾿ ἐνδόξου πατρίδος μας. Ἔχοντες ὑπέρμαχον στρατηγὸν τὴν ὑπεραγίαν Θεοτόκον, θ᾿ ἀμυνθῶμεν ὑπὲρ τῆς φιλτάτης πατρίδος, τῆς ὁποίας ἀναπόσπαστον μέρος ἀπ᾿ ἀρχαιοτάτων χρόνων εἶνε ἡ Μακεδονία, ἡ χώρα τοῦ Μ. Ἀλεξάνδρου. Μὴ ἀνήκοντες εἰς οὐδὲν κόμμα, ἀλλὰ πιστεύοντες εἰς τὰς ἀξίας ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ – ΕΛΛΑΣ, ἕνα ζητοῦμεν παρὰ τῶν πολιτικῶν μας ἀνδρῶν ἀπὸ τῆς ἄκρας δεξιᾶς ἕως τῆς ἄκρας ἀριστερᾶς· ΟΜΟΝΟΙΑΝ. Ἄλλως, αὐτοὶ θὰ εἶνε ὑπεύθυνοι διὰ κάθε δυσμενῆ ἐπίπτωσιν.
Ὡς εἶπε φιλέλλην πολιτικὸς τοῦ τελευταίου παγκοσμίου πολέμου, «διὰ νὰ ζήσῃ ἡ Ἑλλάς, πρέπει ν᾿ ἀποθάνουν τὰ πολιτικά της πάθη», τὰ ὁποῖα τὴν διαιροῦν καὶ τὴν τεμαχίζουν.
Ὅλοι εἰς τὸν ἀγῶνα, μὲ ἔμβλημα τὸ ἀπὸ 25ετίας σύνθημά μας· Ἡ Μακεδονία ἦτο, εἶνε καὶ θὰ εἶνε ἑλληνική!

† Ὁ Φλωρίνης Αὐγουστῖνος

MHNYMATA

author Posted by: admin on date Ιούν 17th, 2014 | filed Filed under: BIOGRAPHY BISHOP AUGOUST. English, ΜΗΝΥΜ. ΠΑΡΑΛ. ΠΡΟΩΘ.

Συναξεις διαμαρτυριας στη Θεσ/νικη 18 και 20/6/14

γιά τίς Εκδηλώσεις Ομοφυλοφιλικής «Υπερηφάνειας» (gay pride)

Χρέος ὅλων μας ἀποτελεῖ ἡ καταφυγή μας στό ἔλεος τοῦ Θεοῦ καί ἡ συμμετοχή μας στίς ἐκδηλώσεις !  

Τά Συνεργαζόμενα Ὀρθόδοξα Χριστιανικά Σωματεῖα τῆς Θεσσαλονίκης (25 τόν ἀριθμόν) καί Ὀρθόδοξα ἱστολόγια, ώς καλή Ὀρθόδοξη Ὁμολογία ἀπέναντι σ’ αὐτή τήν πρόκληση, συνδιοργανώνουμε μέ τήν εὐλογία τῆς Ἱερᾶς Μητροπόλεως Θεσσαλονίκης δύο ἐκδηλώσεις :

Πρῶτον : Ἀγρυπνία στόν Ἱ.Ν. Παναγίας Ἀχειροποιήτου,  τήν Τετάρτη 18 Ἰουνίου 21:00  – 01:00 καί

Δεύτερον : Ἐκδήλωση στόν προαύλιο χῶρο τοῦ Ἱ.Ν. Ἁγίου Δημητρίου, τοῦ Πολιούχου τῆς Θεσσαλονίκης, τήν Παρασκευή 20 Ἰουνίου στίς 20:00

Για να ενημερωθείτε καλύτερα, εδώ· Συνάξεις διαμαρτυρίας στη Θεσ/νίκη 18 και 20/6/14

_______

OMOΦYΛΟΦΙΛΙA ΔΙΑΦΟΡΑ ΤΩΝ ΕΘΝΩΝ

(Απόσπασπαμα ομιλίας  του Μητροπολίτου Φλωρίνης π. Αυγουστίνου Καντιώτου)

 

____d47ΣΤΟ ΚΟΙΜΗΤΗΡΙΟ ΤΟΥ ΑΙΓΙΟΥ

ΕΟΡΤΗ ΤΩΝ ΑΓΙΩΝ ΠΑΝΤΩΝ

Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΧΑΝΕΤΑΙ!

Η ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΙΑ ΒΑΛΛΕΤΑΙ!

ΓΙΝΕΤΕ ΕΠΑΝΑΣΤΑΤΕΣ…..

ΣΠΑΣΤΕ ΤΗΝ ΤΗΛΕΟΡΑΣΗ,

ΑΥΤΗΝ ΤΗΝ ΞΕΦΤΥΛΙΣΜΕΝΗ ΣΥΣΚΕΥΗ…..

Η ΣΥΝΕΧΕΙΑ ΕΔΩ

d47Ὁ Νίκος Κατσαρός

γιά τήν καταστροφή τῶν χημικῶν τῆς Συρίας στην Μεσόγειο

Ὁ κ. Νίκος Κατσαρός καταγγέλει ὅτι ἐπέλεξαν οἱ Ἀμερικανοί τήν κλειστή θάλασσα τῆς Μεσογείου γιά νά ἀδειάσουν 700 τόνους τό νευροπαραλυτικό ἀέριο ΣΑΡΙΝ καί 70 μέ 100 τόνους τό ἀέριο της Μουστάρδας. Δεῖτε τί λέει γιά τό φθόριο, πόσο ἐπικίνδυνο εἶναι, καθώς ἐπίσης ὅτι αύτό γίνεται γιατί δέν ἀλλάξαμε τήν ΑΟΖ.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDW1RK2E8KE

MHNYMATA

author Posted by: Επίσκοπος Αυγουστίνος Καντιώτης on date Ιαν 25th, 2013 | filed Filed under: BIOGRAPHY BISHOP AUGOUST. English, ΜΗΝΥΜ. ΠΑΡΑΛ. ΠΡΟΩΘ.

ΑΝΤΙ ΝΑ ΣΚΕΠΤΕΣΑΙ ΝΑ ΠΡΟΣΕΥΧΕΣΑΙ

__

 

_

8d542426c8ab5796f8b9f3ff

Ο Συγγραφέας κ. Γεώργιος Μαυρομάτης, για πρώτη φορά φέτος στη Νεανική Σύναξη του Ι.Ν. Κοιμήσεως Θεοτόκου Βούλας.

Την Πέμπτη 14 Φεβρουαρίου 2013 στις 9.00 μ.μ. (8.30 τελείται η Ακολουθία του   Αποδείπνου) , για πρώτη  φορά εντός του 2013, ομιλητής στη   Νεανική Σύναξη του Ι.Ν. Κοιμήσεως Θεοτόκου Βούλας, θα είναι ο  Συγγραφέας κ. Γεώργιος Μαυρομάτης,  ο οποίος θα αναπτύξει το  θέμα «Η ηδονή και η οδύνη, κατά τον Άγιο Μάξιμο τον Ομολογητή». Παρακαλούνται όλα τα μέλη της Συνάξεως καθώς και νέοι και νέες από 18 έως και 45 ετών να συμμετέχουν.

8d542426c8ab5796f8b9f3ff

ΙΕΡΑ ΜΗΤΡΟΠΟΛΙΣ ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗΣ

ΙΕΡΟΣ ΒΥΖΑΝΤΙΝΟΣ ΝΑΟΣ ΠΡΟΦΗΤΟΥ ΗΛΙΟΥ ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗΣ
Την Πέμπτη 7 Φεβρουαρίου θα γίνει ομιλία του πρωτοπρ. Νικολάου Μανώλη με θέμα: Ο Άγιος Νεκτάριος ερμηνεύει το χωρίο «Η δε γυνή ίνα φοβήται τον άνδρα (Εφεσ. 5,33)»http://katanixis.blogspot.gr/2013/02/7-533.html

Στο πνευματικό μας κέντρο (Ολυμπιάδος 53) κάθε Πέμπτη στις 9.00 μμ, πραγματοποιείται η σύναξη νέων (και μεγαλυτέρων). Αναλύουμε το Ευαγγέλιο της επομένης Κυριακής, καθώς επίσης σοβαρά θέματα της εκκλησιαστικής επικαιρότητας και της σύγχρονης προσωπικής, οικογενειακής και ενοριακής ζωής.
Ομιλητής ο πρωτοπρεσβύτερος Νικόλαος Μανώλης.

εκ του Ι. Ναού
τηλέφωνον 2310273790

8d542426c8ab5796f8b9f3ff

ΖΟΦΕΡΗ Η ΠΡΟΟΠΤΙΚΗ ΤΗΣ ΑΥΡΙΟΝ ΓΙΑ ΤΟΝ ΙΕΡΟ ΚΛΗΡΟ!

 ΣΕ ΚΑΤΑΣΤΑΣΗ ΑΠΟΓΝΩΣΕΩΣ!

 _____________Το πολυδιαφημισμένο Συνέδριο»EΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΑΡΙΣΤΕΡΑ», για το οποίο επιφυλασσόμεθα να γράψουμε με λεπτομέρειες σε άλλη ανάρτηση προσεχώς, είχε άμεσα αποτελέσματα! Όχι βέβαια ευεργετικάγια την Εκκλησία και μάλιστα ίδιαίτεραγια τον Εφημεριακό μας Κλήρο! Δυστυχώς είχε μόνο ΚΑΤΑΣΤΡΕΠΤΙΚΑ ΑΠΟΤΕΛΕΣΜΑΤΑ, αφού από τόν Βουλευτή του ΣΥΡΙΖΑ κ. Τάσο Κουράκη ετέθη, και μάλιστα με τόση σαφήνεια  καί τόσο έντονα, το ζήτημα της μισθοδοσίας του ιερού Εφημεριακού Κλήρου! Ένα θέμα, στο οποίο εν συνεχεία τα ΜΜΕ αφιέρωσαν τόσες ώρες, ώστε να προβληθή αρκούντως και να αποτυπωθή καλά στό μυαλό των χριστιανών…. Tην συνέχεια διαβάστε στην ιστοσελίδα·  mkka.blogspot.com

8d542426c8ab5796f8b9f3ff

ΕΘΝΟΜΑΡΤΥΡΑΣ  ΧΡΥΣΟΣΤΟΜΟΣ  ΣΜΥΡΝΗΣ:

Ο ΠΡΩΤΟΣ ΦΛΟΓΕΡΟΣ ΚΗΡΥΚΑΣ

ΤΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΙΡΕΣΕΩΣ ΤΟΥ ΟΙΚΟΥΜΕΝΙΣΜΟΥ

Τὴν 26 Ἰανουαρίου πραγματοποιήθηκε –στὴν αἴθουσα «Κορδᾶτος» τοῦ Πανεπιστημίου Βόλου– Ἡμερίδα μὲ θέμα «Ἡ Παναίρεση τοῦ Οἰκουμενισμοῦ καὶ οἱ ἐκφραστές του. Ἀπὸ τὸν Χρυσόστομο Σμύρνης στὸν μητροπολίτη Περγάμου (Ἰωάννη Ζηζιούλα)».

Ἐντύπωση προκάλεσαν, στοὺς ἀγνοοῦντες ἀκροατές, τὰ στοιχεῖα ποὺ προσεκόμισε ὁ π. Εὐθύμιος Τρικαμηνᾶς γιὰ τὸν πονηρὸ καὶ ἀντι-εκκλησιαστικὸ τρόπο, μὲ τὸν ὁποῖο ἡ Διαρκὴς Ἱερὰ Σύνοδος ἁγιοποίησε τὸ 1992 τὸν ἕως τότε Ἐθνομάρτυρα Χρυσόστομον Σμύρνης. Ἕναν ἱεράρχη ποὺ διακρινόταν γιὰ τὴν ἀγάπη του πρὸς τὴν πατρίδα, ἀλλ’ ὄχι γιὰ τὴν ὀρθόδοξη διδασκαλία καὶ ὁμολογία, ἀφοῦ κατηγορήθηκε ὡς Μασῶνος καὶ Οἰκουμενιστής.

Πολλὰ ἀπὸ τὰ στοιχεῖα αὐτὰ εἶχαν στὴν διάθεσή τους οἱ Ἐπίσκοποι ποὺ τὸν ἁγιοποίησαν, ἀλλ’ ἀρνήθηκαν πεισμόνως νὰ καθυστερήσουν τὴν ἁγιοποίηση καὶ νὰ τὰ ἐξετάσουν, ὡσὰν νὰ ἦταν εὔκολο νὰ τὴν ἀναιρέσουν, ἂν τὰ στοιχεῖα αὐτὰ ἀποδεικνύονταν σωστά· λὲς καὶ ἡ ἁγιοποίηση εἶναι κάτι ποὺ γίνεται κάθε μέρα! Ἔτσι, παρὰ τὶς ἀμφισβητήσεις, παρὰ τὶς ἀμφιβολίες ποὺ καὶ οἱ ἴδιοι(!) παραδέχτηκαν ὅτι ὑπάρχουν, προχώρησαν στὴν ἁγιοποίηση, σὰν νὰ ἐφοβοῦντο ὅτι, ἐὰν χρονοτριβοῦσαν στὴν ἐξέταση τῶν στοιχείων, ἡ ἁγιοποίηση αὐτὴ δὲν θὰ προχωροῦσε ποτέ! Ἐνήργησαν σὰν κάτι νὰ τοὺς πίεζε, κάποιοι νὰ τοὺς κατηύθυναν! Τὴν ὕπαρξη ἀμφισβητήσεων ὁμολόγησε ὁ μητροπολίτη Πατρῶν Νικόδημος στὴν εἰσήγηση γιὰ τὴν ἁγιοποίηση τοῦ Χρυσοστόμου· ὁ ἴδιος (ὁ μητροπολίτης Πατρῶν Νικόδημος Βαληνδρᾶς), ἂν καὶ ἐκφράζει τὶς ἀμφιβολίες του, ἔγραψε καὶ τὴν …Ἀκολουθία τοῦ Χρυσοστόμου Σμύρνης!!!

Ἐπειδὴ μερικοὶ πιστοὶ ζήτησαν νὰ πληροφορηθοῦν, ποιά ἦσαν τὰ στοιχεῖα ἐκεῖνα ποὺ ἀποδεικνύουν τὶς οἰκουμενιστικὲς ἰδέες τοῦ ἁγιοποιηθέντος Ἐθνομάρτυρος Χρυσοστόμου Σμύρνης, θὰ δημοσιοποιήσουμε τὰ σημαντικότερα ἐξ αὐτῶν. Περιέχονται στὸ βιβλίο τοῦ π. Εὐθύμιου Τρικαμηνᾶ: «Ὁ Ἐθνομάρτυς Χρυσόστομος Σμύρνης καὶ ἡ παράνομη κατάταξίς του στὴ χορεία τῶν Ἁγίων». Τὰ στοιχεῖα εἶναι πράγματι συγκλονιστικά.

Τὰ ἄρθρα καὶ οἱ ἐπιστολὲς τοῦ ἀπὸ τοὺς Ἐπισκόπους –ἐλαφρᾶ τῇ καρδίᾳ– ἁγιοποιηθέντος Ἐθνομάρτυρος, περιέχουν προχωρημένες πρακτικὲς περὶ συμπροσευχῶν, περὶ «ἀδελφῶν ἐκκλησιῶν» καὶ «θεωρίας τῶν κλάδων» κ.λπ., θέσεις ποὺ ἀκόμα καὶ σήμερα, ποὺ τὰ πράγματα περὶ Οἰκουμενισμοῦ ἔχουν προχωρήσει τόσο πολύ, οἱ Οἰκουμενιστὲς δὲν τὶς ἔχουν ἀκόμα υἱοθετήσει πλήρως, φοβούμενοι τὸν πιστὸ λαό!

Δὲν θὰ γράψουμε περισσότερα γιὰ ἕναν Ἐπίσκοπο, ποὺ μόνο Οἰκουμενιστὲς θὰ μποροῦσαν νὰ ἀνακηρύξουν ὡς Ἅγιό τους, διότι τὴν παρουσίαση καὶ τὸν ἔλεγχο τῶν θέσεών του αὐτῶν πραγματοποιεῖ ὁ π. Εὐθύμιος, παρουσιάζοντας τὶς Οἰκουμενιστικὲς θέσεις καὶ τὴν μασωνικὴ ἰδιότητα τοῦ Ἐθνομάρτυρος Χρυσοστόμου Σμύρνης.

Ἀντιγράψαμε καὶ παρουσιάζουμε σήμερα, τὸ πρῶτο μέρος ἀπὸ τὸ βιβλίο τοῦ π. Εὐθυμίου, σελ. 108-124. [Οἱ λέξεις-φράσεις μὲ τονισμένα γράμματα χρώματος καφέ καὶ οἱ ὑπογραμμίσεις ἔγιναν ἀπὸ μᾶς· ὁ τονισμὸς τῶν ὑπολοίπων ἀπὸ τὸ συγγραφέα].

Α΄ ΜΕΡΟΣ

Κατ’ ἀρχάς ἀναφέρουμε τήν ἐπιστολή του στόν Ἀρχιεπίσκοπο τῶν Ἀγγλικανῶν, ἡ ὁποία εἶναι ὁλόκληρη ἕνα μνημεῖο οἰκουμενισμοῦ καί βλασφημίας καί δείχνει ὅλη τήν ἐσωτερική διάθεσι τοῦ Χρυσοστόμου διά τούς Προτεστάντες Ἀγγλικανούς.

Τήν ἐπιστολή αὐτή τήν παρουσιάζουμε ὁλόκληρη διά νά σχηματίση ὁ κάθε ἀναγνώστης σαφή καί  ὁλοκληρωμένη γνώμη διά τά πιστεύω τοῦ Χρυσοστόμου ἀπό τό βιβλίο  τοῦ Κ. Πολίτη «Xρυσόστομος  ὁ  Σμύρνης»:

«Σεβασμιώτατε Ἀρχιεπίσκοπε Κανταβριγίας, Πρωθιεράρχα πάσης Ἀγγλίας καί Μητροπολῖτα Ἀρχιβάλδε, χάρις εἴη τῇ Αὐτῆς Σεβασμιωτάτῃ Κορυφῇ καί εἰρήνη παρά τοῦ Παναγάθου Θεοῦ, παρ’ ἡμῶν δέ ἀδελφικός ἐν Χριστῷ ἀσπασμός καί χαίρειν ἐν Κυρίῳ. Read more »

BISHOP AUGOUSTINOS KANDIOTIS OF FLORINA, GREECE

author Posted by: Επίσκοπος Αυγουστίνος Καντιώτης on date Δεκ 3rd, 2010 | filed Filed under: BIOGRAPHY BISHOP AUGOUST. English

BISHOP AUGOUSTINOS KANDIOTIS

OF FLORINA, GREECE

LANDMARKS OF HIS LIFE

Ο-π.-Αυγ.-20091907 Born in Lefkes, Paros (an island in the Cyclades, Greece).
1935 Became a monk at the Holy Monastery of Aggelokastro in Akarnania, Greece and his name was changed from Andreas to Augoustinos.
1935 Ordained a deacon in Paravola of Agrinio by the Metropolitan of Akarnania, Hierotheos, and served as a protosinghel.
1941 Transferred to the Metropolis of Ioannina and served as a preacher under Metropolitan Spyridon, who later became archbishop of Athens.
1942 Transferred to the Metropolis of Edessa where he was ordained priest by Metropolitan Pandeleimon.
1942 At the end of the year, was transferred to the Metropolis of Thessaloniki with stints to Kilkis, Veria, Edessa and Florina.
1943-1945 Transferred to Kozani, where he established a food-kitchen and distributed 8000 servings daily. As editor of Estia newspaper, he further established the magazine currently known as Christianiki Spitha (Christian Spark) which was known at different times by the names of: Agapi (Love), Adelphosini (Brotherhood) and To Spiti tou Ftochou (The House of the Poor).
1946-1947 At the request of His Grace Theoklitos, Metropolitan of Grevena, Fr. Augoustinos was transferred there.
1947-1949 At Fr. Augoustinos’ request, he served in the army, holding the rank of Lieutenant. He served in the 15th and 9th divisions and in the second army corps as the director of the office B’10 (Religious Department). He gave sermons every week from the radio station in Larisa. He published the magazine Christianos Stratiotis (Christian Soldier).
1949-1951 Served as a preacher in the Metropolis of Karystia and Skyros.
1950 Published his first book Kosmas Aitolos.
1951 Transferred from the Metropolis of Karystia to the Archdiocese of Athens, and served as preacher under Archbishop Spyridon. He served there for 17 years under 5 different archbishops.
1967 Elected and ordained bishop of Florina, Prespa and Heordaia. During his service as bishop, Fr. Augoustinos:

  • – re-established publication of the magazine Salpynx Orthodoxias (The Orthodox Herald).
  • – served 5 times on the Holy Synod
  • – ordained close to a hundred priests
  • – established an ecclesiastical high-school in Florina
  • – founded many associations, including the missionary brotherhood Stavros (The Cross).
  • – Built tens of churches and institutions (boarding houses, an old-age home, summer camps etc)
  • – Set up the radio station St. Chrysostomos
  • – Published 85 books and many magazines
  • – Wrote 557 encyclicals
  • – Delivered sermons throughout Greece
  • 1999 Founded the Holy Women’s Monastery of St. Augoustinos in Florina, and consecrated the catholicon of the monastery.
  • 1999 December 9, submitted his resignation from duties as bishop, due to old age, having served as Metropolitan of Florina for 321/2 years.
  • 2000 January 15, resigned from active service.

After resigning:

  • – continued to publish the magazines Christianiki Spitha and Kyriaki (Sunday) – a leaflet and preaching aid for priests.
  • – visited parishes in the Metropolis of Florina
  • – continued to bless congregations, preach briefly and distribute antidoron.
  • – regularly attended the Liturgy at the Holy Women’s Monastery of St. Augoustinos in Florina, blessing the congregation and distributing antidoron.
  • – daily received visitors requesting his blessing
  • – kept pace with current news events
  • – supported the Holy Synod’s decision to have a referendum protesting against the removal of one’s Faith on ID cards.
  • – was against the new type of ID cards.
  • – In June he paid a visit to his hometown in Paros
  • November 26, was among the priests who were honoured by the Holy Synod for their philanthropic work during the years of the German Occupation.
  • 2004 the Metropolis of Florina in co-operation with the University of Thessaloniki published a volume of academic papers dedicated to his honour.
  • 2007 Turned 100 years old
  • 2009 On January 15, ten years were completed since his resignation as bishop.
  • 2010:
  • – August 3, suffered a stroke.
  • – August 28, reposed.
  • – August 30, the funeral service took place at the cathedral of St. Pandeleimon and he was buried at the Holy Women’s Monastery of St. Augoustinos, Florina, in accordance with his request.

HIS ILLNESS

At noon on Tuesday August 3, Bishop Augoustinos suffered a stroke and his personal doctor, G.P. Dr. Elias Stavridis, insisted on his admssion to hospital.

Around 3:00 p.m. he was taken to the hospital in Florina. There, he had a CT in which the stroke was officially detected. Fr. Augoustinos couldn’t move his left hand, he had lost his ability to talk and couldn’t eat. During the following days he had a second scan, X-rays and regular blood tests. Remaining calm, Fr. Augoustinos maintained a reasonably normal temperature at this time.  His oxygen levels and blood pressure were good. His heart rate, however, while generally stable, at times showed signs of arrhythmia (irregular heart-beats). Only slight dyspnoea (breathing problem) was noted, which was aggravated temporarily during his compulsory position changes. After the feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, (August 15) his blood pressure started to decline slightly, which towards the end of the month eventually resulted in kidney failure and fluid retention.

Fr. Augoustinos was hospitalized for 26 days, from August 3 until the morning of the 28th. All the medical, nursing, administrative, research and assistant personnel showed avid interest and took great care of him during this time. A special mention must be given to Mrs. Chrysoula Toitou and Mr. Nektarios Vamvakousis; nurses who even when off-duty, willingly came daily for many hours to offer their service with great care and respect. Other doctors and nurses from other hospitals were also found repeatedly at his bedside to offer their knowledge, experience and practical help.

During the hospitalization of the elderly bishop, (in Room 1, Pathological Ward, Eleni Dimitriou Hospital) he received many visitors who took his blessing, (lay-people, clergy and monastics), not only from Florina but also from afar (Mt. Athos, Thrace, Athens, the Peloponnese etc). They were given icons with a stamp of his signature, along with the periodical Christianiki Spitha. It is estimated that thousands of people passed by his bedside. Almost every day, Florina’s current bishop, His Grace Theoklitos, visited Fr. Augoustinos, accompanied by the clergy of his synodia, as did other metropolitans. Most of the clergy who were ordained by Fr. Augoustinos, hastened to kiss the hand which had imparted to them the grace of priesthood. Moving scenes were witnessed. Everyone wanted to express their gratitude and thanks. Many asked for forgiveness, since at some point they had grieved him.

The Mystery of Holy Unction was performed three times in Fr. Augoustinos’ room. Above his head an oil-lamp burned continuously in front of icons of the Lord, the Virgin Mary and various saints. He received Holy Communion on the Sundays of 8th, 15th (after the All-night Vigil) and 22nd August, from the Holy Chalice of St. Augoustinos’ monastery. Many of his spiritual children took turns staying by his bedside, praying and reading spiritual books to him.

HIS REPOSE

Since Fr. Augoustinos had difficulty in eating, on Thursday August 26, the doctors inserted a feeding tube and by evening he had been fed 5 times. The intention –if he regained his strength– was to have a gastroscopic operation to be fed via a feeding gastronomy tube.

From the beginning of his admission to hospital, care was taken to prevent bedsores. This demanded frequent position changes, which however affected Fr. Augoustinos’ breathing. In the meantime, the decline of his blood pressure (from 11/12 to 7/6) resulted in kidney failure. Due to this, it was recommended he not be further burdened with the administration of fluids and the feeding tube was removed. The cessation of urine began to foretell his approaching end.

During the morning of Friday August 27, Fr. Augoustinos’ state of health abruptly deteriorated. However, his countenance remained peaceful, even though his breathing difficulties intensified. Around noon, Holy Unction was performed for the third time, and Fr. Augoustinos received Holy Communion from the artoforion[1] of the hospital’s chapel, St. Luke. Also the Prayer for the Dying was read. Both inside and outside his room, many spiritual children —men, women, clergy and monastics— continuously prayed with a prayer rope and read the Akathist Hymn and Supplicatory Canons, one after another.

During the afternoon, as people continued to arrive uninterruptedly, a priest standing at Fr. Augoustinos’ bedside read the last ten chapters of the Apocalypse (12-22) with which the New Testament is completed, from “Now a great sign appeared in the heaven: a women clothed with the sun” (a passage that was dear to him) until “Surely I am coming quickly.” It also has to be mentioned that during the 26 days of his admittance to hospital, every night, the Holy Monastery of St. Augoustinos had an All-night Vigil.

On August 28 at 5:05 a.m. Fr. Augoustinos’ soul calmly flew to the heavens, “like a bird” as they say in Greek. His face continued to remain calm. The official cause of death was acute pulmonary edema (fluid retention on the lungs).

This date, as many noted, is significant. August 28, according to the new calendar and the Synaxari, commemorates the falling asleep of St. Augoustinos, bishop of Hippo – the saint whose name Fr. Augoustinos was given during his monastic tonsure. (This feast, however, has been transferred to June 15, in order to be co-celebrated with St. Hieronymos.) Also on this day, according to the old calendar on Mt. Athos and other regional Orthodox Churches, the feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary is celebrated. Fr. Augoustinos especially loved, honoured and prayed to the Theotokos. Many of his listeners remember how Fr. Augoustinos began his homilies saying a prayer that he himself had composed “All-Holy Lady Theotokos Finally, on that same day, 50 years ago in 1959, the venerable Elder Joseph the Hesychast had also reposed. He was Fr. Augoustinos’ fellow villager (born in Lefkes, Paros) and happened to be a student of Fr. Augoustinos’ mother, Sophia Threpsiadou-Kandiotou. Everyone was moved by the significance of the date.

THREE DAY VENERATION

κοιμ. π. ΑΥΓAfter the medical certification of the death of Fr. Augoustinos on the morning of the Saturday, preparations of the body began (without medical intervention) for the three-day veneration. Even though the temperature was expected to be high, the funeral was scheduled to take place on Monday August 30 at noon, in order for those from afar to have time to arrive and pay their respects.

The first informed was His Grace Theoklitos, Metropolitan of Florina, who came to pay his respects to Fr. Augoustinos in the hospital room. Bishop Theoklitos immediately initiated the dressing rite, where the pious priests dressed Fr. Augoustinos firstly in his monastic clothes, and then in his bishop’s vestments. Arch-priest Fr. Demosthenis Papadopoulos presided. During the dressing rite, stole-wearing priests read the 11 Matinal Gospels, and the first hierarchical memorial service was performed. The 22nd Psalm “The Lord is my Shepherd,” was chanted while the body was transferred to a simple, uncovered coffin, which was then placed into the hearse. As the small cortège of cars proceeded from the hospital towards the Holy Monastery of St. Augoustinos, the first glimmer of day illuminated the face of the deceased Elder. The coffin was then carried on the clergys’ shoulders and placed in the middle of the monastery’s church, and after reading the Hours, (to give preparation time for the Holy Oblation) the Divine Liturgy commenced. Bishop Theoklitos officiated during the Liturgy and a new small altar-table was used, since an All-night Vigil had taken place in the church the previous evening. At the end of the Liturgy, a memorial service was chanted, and Fr. Augoustinos’ body remained in the church for a while afterwards.

Meanwhile, care of the Metropolis of Florina, the public was informed. The news started to spread, via the churches’ death-knells and through the media, the print and the internet.

At 11:00 a.m. the hearse carrying the body of the venerable Elder, crossed the city to the cathedral of St. Pandeleimon in Florina, and there the public veneration began. During those three days, (Saturday, Sunday and Monday) while countless crowds of the faithful came from near and far, stole-wearing clergy continuously read the four Gospels in front of the open Royal Gate. These readings were only interrupted upon a bishop’s arrival for a memorial service – approx. 30 bishops came and paid their respects.

As the Gospels were read, we instinctively brought to mind the reposed’s preachings on these passages; the great preacher was now silent and resting in the middle of the soleas. When during Saturday Vespers for the feast of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist (August 29) the following doxasticon of the aposticha was heard: Fore-runner of the Saviour, you rebuked kings that they should not act lawlessly” (Tone 8) it was impossible not to relate the Fore-runner’s censuring style with the bold style of speaking that Elder Augoustinos used to those of high rank.

On Sunday morning a hierarchical Divine Liturgy was performed, led by His Grace Theoklitos and accompanied by many clergy who were ordained by the 104 year-old bishop. As a closing to the Liturgy, an old homily of Fr. Augoustinos’ -coincidentally suitable- was read in front of his coffin, titled: “The Corruption of Morals” (published in the July-August 2010 issue 686 of Christianiki Spitha.) Throughout Sunday, the public veneration continued, along with the reading of the four Gospels.

In the afternoon, amongst other bishops, His Beatitude Hieronymos of Athens arrived from Thrace and performed a brief memorial service, since he had a prior obligation preventing his attendance at the funeral the next day. In the meantime, the crew of the known Orthodox TV station of Thessaloniki, 4E, who had undertaken coverage of these unique events, randomly interviewed a variety of people who had come to pay their respects.

That night, an All-night Vigil was held on a separate altar-table, with His Grace Vasilios, Metropolitan of Elassonas officiating. When the Vigil ended at 2:00 a.m. Bishop Vasilios, assisted by his clergy, (who were conversant with the ritual) performed the lengthy service For Reposed Clergy, which finished after 4:00 a.m.

THE FUNERAL

The day of the funeral dawned. It was Monday, August 30, the feast day of St. Alexander. In the morning, a Liturgy was performed in which His Grace Chrysostomos, Metropolitan of Eleftheroupolis officiated. At the end of the Liturgy, he characterized Bishop Augoustinos as the greatest preacher of the 20th Century. He also proposed the establishment of a Foundation for the research and utilization of Fr. Augoustinos’ writings and sermons.

The Very Reverend Bishop Anthimos of Thessaloniki officiated during the funeral service. At the end, he spoke briefly, emphasizing Fr. Augoustinos’ struggle for the Macedonian issue, evoking hearty applause. His Grace Joel, Metropolitan of Edessa, gave a eulogy from the bishop’s throne, as representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. His Grace Sergius, Metropolitan of Grevena, as representative of the Holy Synod of Greece, also gave a eulogy. Archimandrite Hieronymos Nicolopoulos, the secretary of the Holy Synod, was authorized to deliver the funeral oration from the pulpit. Apart from the eulogies delivered by politicians, a eulogy was also delivered by the Heguman (Abbot) of the Holy Monastery of Docheiariou, Archimandrite Gregorios, representing the holy community of Mt. Athos. Finally, on behalf of the clergy from the Metropolis of Florina, the protosinghel Archimandrite Ioustinos Bardakas gave a eulogy. The latter toiled unrelentingly throughout the three days, being responsible for all the funeral proceedings.

The sight of the honourable body, the psalmody, the particular church with its historical pulpit, the eulogies delivered, the throng of faithful lay-people, clergy and monastics, many officials, (church, political, academic, military, judicial etc) together with memoirs of a bishop’s 40-year life and witness that now came to an end – all gave a unique significance to the funeral, and evoked a serene mourning in one’s soul, bringing tears to one’s eyes.

After chanting “Come forth for the Last Farewell” (Tone 2) and when the funeral service ended, the bishop’s body was carried out of the cathedral and placed in the hearse. Archimandrites held the mournful, purple ribbons attached to the hearse, and the funeral procession, directed towards the Holy Monastery of St. Augoustinos, began through the main streets of Florina, under the hot summer sun. The two processional lines included numerous Hegumens, hieromonks and monks wearing their monastic cowls, vested priests and bishops with their staffs. The band struck up mournfully. Feelings of devoutness fanned the hearts of those present.

THE BURIAL

Shortly before the burial destination, the coffin bearing the Elder’s body was taken out of the hearse and carried on the priests’ shoulders to the carefully prepared, verdant gravesite. Enhanced police forces originally banned entry of the crowd to avoid a crush; however after the burial they permitted entrance. Before the coffin’s descent into the grave, His Grace Ignatius, Metropolitan of Arta, performed a short memorial service while His Grace Pandeleimon, Metropolitan of Veria, poured oil from the oil-lamp onto the deceased’s body. According to the church typikon, he threw earth on the body in the form of a cross, citing “For dust you are, and to dust you shall return” (Gen. 3:19). Everyone then chanted “When thou didst descend unto death” (Apolytikion, Tone 2) and “Christ is Risen!”

The deceased Elder’s face was characteristically serene and exuded grace. Throughout the three days, his appearance remained calm and his body retained the usual flexibility of monastics. Without any difficulty, Bishop Theoklitos of Florina took Fr. Augoustinos’ hand and made the sign of the cross over his body. Both during his hospitalization and afterwards, while lying in state, Fr. Augoustinos inspired feelings of devoutness and harmolipi (joyful-sadness) -as opposed to those of tragedy and heart-wrench- to all who had come to bid him farewell. These feelings were particularly evident in the young children who surrounded his coffin without any signs of fear. They venerated Fr. Augoustinos and didn’t want to leave his side.

May his memory be eternal. May his soul find rest in the land of the living, and boldness before the throne of the Lord. May we have his blessing. Amen.


[1] The «Artoforion» contains Holy Communion. This is prepared once annually, on Holy Thursday. The Holy
Communion is deposited in the Artoforion for use in emergencies, when there is no time to celebrate the complete Liturgy.

SHORT BIOGRAPHY OF BISHOP AUGOUSTINOS N. KANTIOTES

author Posted by: Επίσκοπος Αυγουστίνος Καντιώτης on date Νοέ 1st, 2010 | filed Filed under: BIOGRAPHY BISHOP AUGOUST. English

Με βαθιά αγάπη στην καρδιά μου και πνευματική ευγνωμοσύνη στην ψυχή μου εύχομαι ταπεινά· ΧΡΙΣΤΕ ΑΝΑΠΑΥΣΟΝ ΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΩ ΑΥΓΟΥΣΤΙΝΩ· στο σεβαστό Γέροντα, στον ανίκητο και παραδειγματικό μαχητή της ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΙΑΣ, στον φωτισμένο ιεράρχη της του Χριστού Εκκλησίας, στον φλογερό καί ακούραστο ιεροκήρυκα του Λόγου του Θεού, Επίσκοπο Φλωρίνης πατέρα Αυγουστίνο (ο μεταφραστής).

SHORT BIOGRAPHY OF

BISHOP AUGOUSTINOS N. KANTIOTES,

FORMER METROPOLITAN OF FLORINA,PRESPAS AND EORDAIA

By Archimandrite Laurentios Gratseas

(continuation)

π. Αυγ. 1971Rarely would he come out on the streets during his free time with his fellow students.  When he was coming out usually he was visiting the courts, or often going to quite places, or to the cemetery, in order to philosophize on the vanity of the world and also to admire   art works decorating the graves of the great benefactors.  At that time he was reading the newspapers which were describing the astonishing news from the Asian Minor war front. At the same time he was successfully taking care of his father’s business . This is the period when the refuges from Asia Minor were arriving in Paros as well, (like in many other places throughout Greece); these events provoked a great impression on the mind of this young student .


During this period he kept regular correspondence with Fr. Philotheos Zervakos (besides being in personal contact) as well as with Demetrios Panagiotopoulos of the brotherhood of theologians “ZOE”- «ΖΩΗ», to whom he was expressing his concerns regarding the wide-spread in the society of atheistic ideas and worldly customs .  He is also eager to read every good Christian magazine and book, as well as the great book of nature .  In addition he is concerned for the the proper education and guidance of his three sisters .  His friends in Paros, even during the vacations are few, and the drive towards the divine and holy things is very intense .  In the church he stands in awe and fear of God; motionless, attentive, without wondering here and there . He lives like a monk in the world and especially grows in prayer. In one of his books he writes: « “O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us”. A very short prayer which every Christian must say mentally many times every day; it helps a lot.  A.N. Kantiotes» .  And to his parents he writes: “…Often the words of our faith gladden man much more than money and the other things” . However he must thank them, because they work very hard for him.


His personality already has been formed and he leaves “vivid impressions” around him…and to this day people speak about him with admiration and praise .  In fact, one of his High School directors always used to say: “Two personalities passed through the High School of Syros: Venizelos and Kantiotes” (according to the testimony of Katherine Alimprantes-Hatzinikolaou). We can even say, that Fr. Augoustinos was predestined from his mother’s womb (see Galatians 1,15; Jer. 1,5).  Or, as one of his mother’s friend simply said: “Augoustinos was chosen since he was a child” .


As a Student in Athens


“My ever memorable father, after my decision to study theology in Athens, agonizing for my life in the capital, led me to the brotherhood “ZOE”-«ΖΩΗ», with which he was connected not only as a subscriber but also as a representative of the subscribers of the island of Paros. I was accepted. I lived in the boarding house of the brotherhood “ZOE” for four years, working and studying as much as I could. This period of my life was a period of extraordinary blessings for my student years. The first blessing was that I was able to be in contact with the founder of the brotherhood of theologians “ZOE”, the holy preacher and priest Fr. Eusebios Matthopoulos, author of the famous book “The Destiny of Man”. I was faithfully following the sermons of his last years in the Church of the Domition of the Theotokos  at Monasteraki.  Another blessing was that for about two years I became the assistant of the ever-memorable Panagiotes Trempelas a leading theologian, who was incessantly writing, from early morning till night.  In particular, I remember that on the falling asleep of the ever memorable Fr. Eusebius (June 29, 1929) he dictated the article to me being interrupted from emotions and tears.  Another blessing, for which I am grateful to God, is that as a student, in particular I was able to be in the audience of the ever memorable Hristos Androutos, a renowned theologian and philosopher, among other university professors of course. ”


In Athens Fr. Augoustinos sips like the bee whatever good the surrounding environment offers to him.  His life, as is the life of the two great holy fathers St. Basil and St.Gregory when they were studying in Athens, is enclosed between the University, the Church, and the boarding house.  He finds and observes the great personalities of his time and draws lessons from them. In the boarding house of “ZOE” begins his close friendship with Fr. Christopher Kalyvas, who later became his supporter and co-champion in the good fight for the Church.

______________________________

See N. Alimprantis, pp.60-61, 75, 64-65, 66, 68
See Periodical «ΣΤΑΥΡΟΣ» – “STAVROS”, No.427/1998, pp.137.139
See N. Alimprantis, pp. 80, 72
See N. Alimprantis, pp. 73-76
See N. Alimprantis pp.73-76.
See N. Alimprantis pp.77
See N. Alimprantis pp.78
See N. Alimpantis pp.85
See N. Alimprantis pp.66
See N. Alimpantis pp. 71
See N. Alimprantis pp.76
“CHRISTIANIKE SPITHA” – «ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΣΠΙΘΑ» –

Island Ios – «in the desert»

If for an Apostle as Paul was necessary the desert of Damascus, if for St.John Chrysostom was needed to spend time near hermits of Syria, in the same way the Divine providence intended for Fr. Augoustino a certain time during which he was isolated far from the world, in order to examine himself and decide his destiny.

«In December 1929, at age 22, I received the degree of Theology with the highest honors (summa cum laude).  Perhaps it should have been better for me not to have received the highest honors and the excellent grades.  These highest honors that I continued to receive, from my early years of the elementary education up until I finished college harmed me spiritually.  I confess it publicly. Some sort of conceit possessed me because of the theological knowledge that I had been able to acquire. Not knowing, the wretched I, that one gram of holiness is worth a lot more than tons of barren knowledge, I thought that I was capable of navigating the endless and vast ocean of the theological erudition with the small and weak vessel of my intellect. I became drunk without wine, drunk with knowledge. And as a drunkard I was not paying attention to the advice of spiritual Fathers that sincerely loved me. Unrestrained I was rushing towards knowledge. And God humbled me for my arrogance. I abandoned an environment of priceless spiritual value for a dishful of knowledge, an environment for the high value of which my fellow-student, preacher and priest of the Brotherhood then, Fr. Christopher Kalyvas, testifies in his recently published book about monasticism and brotherhoods.

Because of my foolishness I was slung geographically and spiritually very far. I was slung to the island of Cyclades Ios, which was then the place of my exile. My long stay there became «the Sahara» of my life. I went from being a scientist (!) to becoming a grammar instructor, teaching the blameless children of the island the Greek Alphabet! Even today, in Ios, the people who remember me as their teacher are still alive. Oh Lord «it is good for me that Thou hast humbled me, that I might learn Thy statutes» (Ps. 118, 71)»[1].

His father had already passed away in 1929 – the year when Andreas received his diploma – at the age of 59 years. Thus the responsibility for the family weighed now heavier on his shoulders. In Ios he remained five whole years, helping his mother who was working there as a teacher. In the mean while, being loyal to his father’s commandment, he was taking care of the settlement of his three sisters.


[1] «CHRISTIANIKE SPITHA» – «ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΣΠΙΘΑ» – No.440/1985

PUBLIC LIFE The Calling

«The demon of pride abandoned me for some time, but another demon, even worse, the demon of despair started to tempt me. And I was in danger of being lost spiritually. But the Lord sent to Ios His angel, who consoled me greatly and gave me courage. It was the ever memorable Lazaros Hatzithemeles, an itinerant preacher- theologian. When he was departing at the sea shore of the port of the island he reminded me the words of Apostle Peter: «Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in time; casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you»( 1 Peter 5,6-7).

And really the Lord cares about us! While the people had forgotten me and I was living alone and unknown, the Lord did not forget me. He lifted me from the depth. How? One rainy day in December of the year 1934, while I was going towards the school, I saw on the street a small letter – card-visit. Perhaps somebody else in my place would not pay attention. But something urged me from within to bend down and pick it up from the mud. I opened it and read: «Andreas (this was my baptismal name as layman), the position of the secretary of the Metropolis is vacant. Come fast. I am waiting for you...».  It was a letter sent to me by the Metrpolitan Hierotheos of Aitoloakarnania.   To me this letter was a calling from high above, an invitation by God, to serve the Church.  And how did it end up in the mud?  It had apparently slipped from the hands of the old mailman during that cold day of the winter.  And in this case I ascertained over and again the reality of the truth which the Lord proclaimed by saying: «And the very hairs of your head are all numbered»(Matt. 10,30)».  And St. Basil speaking on the same subject says: «Very often and in the smallest (detail) matters the wisdom and the providence of God is shown through[1]«.

Commitment in the service of the Church

Chancellor of the Metropolis of Aitolia and Akarnania

Fr. Augoustinos, even though as a distinguished graduate of theology he was appointed a high-school teacher, preferred to serve the Church, although financially the benefits were much less[2].

He writes: To that astonishingly sent invitation I did not remain disobedient. I obeyed eagerly. The first day of the year 1935 in the ship of the desolate line there were no other passengers except me, and the captain kept wondering how I was traveling on such a day. I was eagerly rushing to reach to my destination. And the next day I arrived at Messolonghi.

Oh Messolonghi!  A sacred city of Hellenism, about which, our fine teachers and professors would shed tears from their eyes every time they spoke about it! Only the view of this city moved me in a profound way. Metropolitan Hierotheos, with whom I was previously acquainted during his service as metropolitan of Paronaxia, received me with open arms. At the monastery of Angelokastron I was tonsured monk and I received the name Augoustinos. In the village Paravola I was ordained a deacon. At the Holy Metropolis of Aitoloakarnania I served as secretary, chancellor and preacher for about six years. My memories from this service are many. I preached the word of God in cities and villages.  From a humble villager I heard a most important lesson of homiletic, which influenced me in my life thereafter. And another villager gave me a book which contained the sermons of St. Cosmas Aitolos, a book which he was keeping in his hut as a precious treasure.


  • [1] «CHRISTIANIKE SPITHA» – «ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΣΠΙΘΑ» – No.440/1985
  • [2] see farewell Encyclical to the priests of the Holy Metropolis of Aitolia and Acarnania in an independent,  special  pamphlet.
In the city of Messolonghi I preached most of my sermons.  Unforgettable will remain to me the eagerness of the pious inhabitants of this city, men, women and children, who as one being, every Sunday would stream into the sizable church of St. Paraskevi and would listen to the preaching.  Perhaps the majority of those listeners of mine already passed away to the eternity. However some are still living, and whenever I meet them they remind me of those days and I am moved.  My service in general at the Holy Metropolis of Aitoloakarnania was for me like attending a second University, because whatever I learned in the Theological School as theory was to become there reality. But oh what a great deal one should labor and toil in order to reach the ideal!” .

He himself picked the name “Augoustinos”, thus provoking in particular the curiosity of the bishop regarding his selection. The still then Andreas explained to him that he had chosen this name because he was greatly impressed by the repentance of Saint Augoustinos, and he wanted to follow and promote his example.

The preaching of Fr. Augoustinos at the beginning of his ministry was for the most part of a didactic character.  And thus it was benefiting.  However, as it appears, it needed something else. It was at this moment when he listened to and accepted the advice of the humble villager which he himself mentions above. “A certain day, at the end of one of his sermons, one of the villagers approached him and said to him perceptively: very well you spoke to us.  But you accomplished nothing. We need an ox goad to awaken!”  Thus he started the reproving kind of preaching” .

When he was preaching the audience of the faithful kept total silence, such that during the course of the sermon the impression left on the listeners was so strong that many of them would start to cry.  During his visits to the villages the preaching was followed by confession from experienced spiritual confessors with special permission .

During his service in this Metropolis, Fr. Augoustinos will express for the first time his quest and recommendations for the course which the Church should take.  It is here that he will want to apply in real life all the knowledge that he acquired during the period of his theological formation (knowledge which he always longed to turn into praxis) and all the dreams that he had for the renewal of the Church.

He undertakes the direction of the “Ecclesiastical Preparatory School” in Messolonghi , where he teaches Pastoral Ministry.  He puts great efforts in trying to aspire in these candidates for clergy the faith they must have in the sublimity of their mission and ministry.  They regularly convene clergy congresses as well as assemblies of spiritual fathers .  He collaborates – as the assistant to the Bishop – with the priests, which distinguishes him for his respect and being straightforward.  Even in those instances when he has no other choice but to use “strong and sharp language” trying to limit the evil, the lying and the deception, the imposition of wrongfulness and unjustness, he was “the spiritual benefactor as confessed by many priests” .  His purpose in life is to always serve the Church in clean and clear conscience.

___________________
(1) “CHRISTIANIKE SPITHA” – «ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΣΠΙΘΑ» – No.440/1985
(2) “ΣΑΛΠΙΓΞ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΙΑΣ – THE TRUMPET OF ORTHODOXY”, official magazine of the Holy Metropolis of Florina, Prespas and Heordaia, issue No.199/August 1985, p.200).
(3) Magazine “COSMAS AITOLOS”, official periodical of the Holy Metropolis of Aitolia and Akarnania, no. 251/1940.
(4) Magazine “COSMAS AITOLOS” No. 237 & 238/1940.
(5) Farewell Encyclical to the priests of the Holy Metropolis of Aitolia and Acarnania, July 10, 1941

ΣΥΝΕΧΙΖΕΤΑΙ
Humbly translated by Aleksander P. Filip

With deep love from my heart and with a whole lot of gratitude from my soul, I dedicate this work to the honorable Elder, the exemplary champion of Orthodoxy, the enlightened hierarch of the Church of Christ, the fervent and the restless preacher of the Word of God, Bishop of Florina Father Augoustinos

LORD GOD JESUS CHRIST REST THE SOUL OF BISHOP AUGOUSTINOS

SHORT BIOGRAPHY OF BISHOP AUGOUSTINOS N. KANTIOTES, FORMER METROPOLITAN OF FLORINA,PRESPAS AND EORDAIA

author Posted by: Επίσκοπος Αυγουστίνος Καντιώτης on date Οκτ 18th, 2010 | filed Filed under: BIOGRAPHY BISHOP AUGOUST. English

Με βαθιά αγάπη στην καρδιά μου και πνευματική ευγνωμοσύνη στην ψυχή μου εύχομαι ταπεινά· ΧΡΙΣΤΕ ΑΝΑΠΑΥΣΟΝ ΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΩ ΑΥΓΟΥΣΤΙΝΩ· στο σεβαστό Γέροντα, στον ανίκητο και παραδειγματικό μαχητή της ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΙΑΣ, στον φωτισμένο ιεράρχη της του Χριστού Εκκλησίας, στον φλογερό καί ακούραστο ιεροκήρυκα του Λόγου του Θεού, Επίσκοπο Φλωρίνης πατέρα Αυγουστίνο (ο μεταφραστής).

SHORT BIOGRAPHY OF

BISHOP AUGOUSTINOS N. KANTIOTES,

FORMER METROPOLITAN OF FLORINA,PRESPAS AND EORDAIA

By Archimandrite Laurentios Gratseas

(continuation)

π. ΑΥΓ. ΣΤΟΝ ΑΝΒΩΝΑ ιστRarely would he come out on the streets during his free time with his fellow students.  When he was coming out usually he was visiting the courts, or often going to quite places, or to the cemetery, in order to philosophize on the vanity of the world and also to admire   art works decorating the graves of the great benefactors.  At that time he was reading the newspapers which were describing the astonishing news from the Asian Minor war front. At the same time he was successfully taking care of his father’s business . This is the period when the refuges from Asia Minor were arriving in Paros as well, (like in many other places throughout Greece); these events provoked a great impression on the mind of this young student .


During this period he kept regular correspondence with Fr. Philotheos Zervakos (besides being in personal contact) as well as with Demetrios Panagiotopoulos of the brotherhood of theologians “ZOE”- «ΖΩΗ», to whom he was expressing his concerns regarding the wide-spread in the society of atheistic ideas and worldly customs .  He is also eager to read every good Christian magazine and book, as well as the great book of nature .  In addition he is concerned for the the proper education and guidance of his three sisters .  His friends in Paros, even during the vacations are few, and the drive towards the divine and holy things is very intense .  In the church he stands in awe and fear of God; motionless, attentive, without wondering here and there . He lives like a monk in the world and especially grows in prayer. In one of his books he writes: « “O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us”. A very short prayer which every Christian must say mentally many times every day; it helps a lot.  A.N. Kantiotes» .  And to his parents he writes: “…Often the words of our faith gladden man much more than money and the other things” . However he must thank them, because they work very hard for him.


His personality already has been formed and he leaves “vivid impressions” around him…and to this day people speak about him with admiration and praise .  In fact, one of his High School directors always used to say: “Two personalities passed through the High School of Syros: Venizelos and Kantiotes” (according to the testimony of Katherine Alimprantes-Hatzinikolaou). We can even say, that Fr. Augoustinos was predestined from his mother’s womb (see Galatians 1,15; Jer. 1,5).  Or, as one of his mother’s friend simply said: “Augoustinos was chosen since he was a child” .


As a Student in Athens


“My ever memorable father, after my decision to study theology in Athens, agonizing for my life in the capital, led me to the brotherhood “ZOE”-«ΖΩΗ», with which he was connected not only as a subscriber but also as a representative of the subscribers of the island of Paros. I was accepted. I lived in the boarding house of the brotherhood “ZOE” for four years, working and studying as much as I could. This period of my life was a period of extraordinary blessings for my student years. The first blessing was that I was able to be in contact with the founder of the brotherhood of theologians “ZOE”, the holy preacher and priest Fr. Eusebios Matthopoulos, author of the famous book “The Destiny of Man”. I was faithfully following the sermons of his last years in the Church of the Domition of the Theotokos  at Monasteraki.  Another blessing was that for about two years I became the assistant of the ever-memorable Panagiotes Trempelas a leading theologian, who was incessantly writing, from early morning till night.  In particular, I remember that on the falling asleep of the ever memorable Fr. Eusebius (June 29, 1929) he dictated the article to me being interrupted from emotions and tears.  Another blessing, for which I am grateful to God, is that as a student, in particular I was able to be in the audience of the ever memorable Hristos Androutos, a renowned theologian and philosopher, among other university professors of course. ”


In Athens Fr. Augoustinos sips like the bee whatever good the surrounding environment offers to him.  His life, as is the life of the two great holy fathers St. Basil and St.Gregory when they were studying in Athens, is enclosed between the University, the Church, and the boarding house.  He finds and observes the great personalities of his time and draws lessons from them. In the boarding house of “ZOE” begins his close friendship with Fr. Christopher Kalyvas, who later became his supporter and co-champion in the good fight for the Church.

______________________________

See N. Alimprantis, pp.60-61, 75, 64-65, 66, 68
See Periodical «ΣΤΑΥΡΟΣ» – “STAVROS”, No.427/1998, pp.137.139
See N. Alimprantis, pp. 80, 72
See N. Alimprantis, pp. 73-76
See N. Alimprantis pp.73-76.
See N. Alimprantis pp.77
See N. Alimprantis pp.78
See N. Alimpantis pp.85
See N. Alimprantis pp.66
See N. Alimpantis pp. 71
See N. Alimprantis pp.76
“CHRISTIANIKE SPITHA” – «ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΣΠΙΘΑ» –


ΣΥΝΕΧΙΖΕΤΑΙ!
Humbly translated by Aleksander P. Filip

With deep love from my heart and with a whole lot of gratitude from my soul, I dedicate this work to the honorable Elder, the exemplary champion of Orthodoxy, the enlightened hierarch of the Church of Christ, the fervent and the restless preacher of the Word of God, Bishop of Florina Father Augoustinos

LORD GOD JESUS CHRIST REST THE SOUL OF BISHOP AUGOUSTINOS!

SHORT BIOGRAPHY OF BISHOP AUGOUSTINOS N. KANTIOTES

author Posted by: Επίσκοπος Αυγουστίνος Καντιώτης on date Οκτ 2nd, 2010 | filed Filed under: BIOGRAPHY BISHOP AUGOUST. English, English

Mέ βαθιά αγάπη καί πνευματική ευγνωμοσύνη αφιερώνω ταπεινά στον σεβαστό μου Γέροντα, στόν ανίκητο καί φλογερό μαχητή της ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΙΑΣ, στον φωτισμένο ιεράρχη της του Χριστού Εκκλησίας, στον ακούραστο ιεροκήρυκα του Λόγου του Θεού, Επίσκοπο Φλωρίνης πατέρα Αυγουστίνο την μετάφραση της “ΣΥΝΤΟΜΗΣ ΒΙΟΓΡΑΦΙΑΣ” έκδοση, Ιεράς Κοινοβιακής Μονής «Ζωοδόχου Πηγής» Λογγοβάρδας Πάρου.

Aleksander P. Filip

ΧΡΙΣΤΕ ΑΝΑΠΑΥΣΟΝ ΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΩ ΑΥΓΟΥΣΤΙΝΩ!

SHORT BIOGRAPHY

OF BISHOP AUGOUSTINOS N. KANTIOTES,

FORMER METROPOLITAN OF FLORINA, PRESPAS AND EORDAIA


ΒΙΟΓΡΑΦ ιστ-By Archimandrite Laurentios Gratseas

“He sent a man before them” (Psalm 104,17)

PREFACE

To summarize the life of a man in a few pages it’s a difficult task. Especially when this man is someone who “did not give sleep in his eyes”, but day and night worked with an unprecedented zeal for the glory of the Church of Christ, and in his persona are found rare charismas, then the task certainly becomes infeasible.  “When some one turns back and looks at all the works of a short in stature preacher, wonders how such a man was able to accomplish so much” observes the news paper “MESSIMBRINE” on April 12, 1965 – at this time he wasn’t even a bishop.

And when you add the rest of the works of Augoustinos as bishop and the picture becomes complete, you wonder even more.
History, however should not be forgotten and especially when it’s about outstanding personalities such as the one whose biography we are compiling – a prominent personality that was greatly misunderstood and severely persecuted. Therefore it’s worth the effort to synoptically describe the most important aspects and periods of his life.  This description will be based on testimonies given by eyewitnesses, eminent or simple men, on published or unpublished texts, and finally on testimonies of himself. We believe that this presentation of his biography finally shows that: the appearance and presence of father Augoustinos was not only directed by his faith in God but also strengthened by the divine grace. As a result, whatever is written here aims at, first and foremost to the glory of the grace, to the glory of God who is working within us “to make us willing and able to obey His own purpose” (Phil. 2,13), and second  to honor the vessel which received this grace.

A.    PRIVATE LIFE

a.    Origin – birth – childhood in Lefkes of  the island Paros


“I saw the sweet light of the day in the year 1907.  I was born in Paros, one of the Aegean (Cyclades) islands.  My ancestors (blood relatives) were called Kantiotae because according to the tradition were originated from the great island of Crete which at that time of the Venetian domination was called Kantia.  As a child I lived in the pious environment of my village Lefkes, whose 20 churches and chapels testify to, among other things, the piety of the inhabitants.  My mother was a teacher, and from infant age I lived in a school environment, directed by a prominent teacher – a figure that reminded us of some of the great teachers of the nation – the ever memorable Ioannes Gaitanos, of whom the biography was written by one of his students, the Archimandrite Nikolaos Arkas. I was a lively and naughty child, and as such I tasted many time the disciplinary stick of my teacher and of my parents.  Oh, my good parents and teachers, how grateful I am for your strictness which had in it riches of affection!

The first however direction towards the spiritual life I attribute to my ever memorable father, who was of little education, but a man of a sincere repentance and deep faith. He wasn’t like this from the beginning. How was he changed?  Pay attention and listen:  As a merchant he was traveling often.  Being once in Athens during the month of February 1920, one morning he visited a certain shop in Athens, from which he was buying the necessary things for his small shop. Upon entering the shop there he saw everyone, the director and the clerks, crying loudly. To his question why they were crying, they answered: “dear Nicholas, our spiritual father, father Dionysios Farazoules, the preacher of the Cathedral, past away. Today his funeral will take place….”  The employees recommended to my father to go also to the funeral and so he went. And what he saw and heard during that funeral of the ever memorable fr. Dionysios, moved him in a most profound way.  At that time an unknown Christian recommended to him the religious magazine “ZOE”(«ΖΩΗ» which means life) of which editor was the preacher of blessed memory.  From that day on, my ever memorable father was completely transformed.  He returned to the village. He went to the spiritual father, he confessed his sins, and since then to the end of his life he was reading the word of God and attending Church services regularly, as well as urging others to repent.  My father led me too, being a student still, to the Holy Monastery of Longovarda, and for the first time I confessed to the ever memorable Fr. Philotheos Zervakos , with whom since then I was connected spiritually. After that confession my vivid character began to be controlled (1).


Characteristic of the repentance and of the spiritual life demonstrated by Nicholas Kanitotes is the fact that when Fr. Philotheos was visiting Lefkes to hear confessions, he would stay at his home.  There, in a room, the confession of the villagers was taking place, many of whom the host himself had urged to do so.  Father Augoustinos narrates:  my father was of little education.  He was a small merchant in the village.  He once went for confession to a great spiritual father, ever memorable now, and a saint in my estimation, Fr. Philotheos, the abbot of the Longovarda Monastery – may his memory be eternal.  He went there, confessed, and when he returned home he was a different man.  And not only this!  Thereafter, he started to do something else.  Every Great Lent he would go to the monastery, take his spiritual father, the elder Philotheos, and would bring him home.  He would place him in the living room of the house and take care of him.  Then he would visit the houses of the neighborhood, one after the other, and he would bring home almost all the villagers for confession.  May his memory be eternal (2)!

And Fr. Philotheos in one of his epistles testifies about Nicholas Knatiotes saying:  As his spiritual father for about 20 years, I can most certainly say that he was in a great physical and mental health, and to many he became a spiritual healer, due to the fact that he was leading them to confession, to repentance, and ultimately to virtue (3).

Important for the young Andreas (this was Fr. Augoustinos’ baptismal name) is also the influence of the catechetical school (Sunday School), which was taught by the simple, but of strong faith, priest of the village father Nicholaos (4).

From the early years it was clear which way Fr.Augoustinos was going to follow; he was painting saints, making wooden crosses, practicing sermons in the garden or in his room, and when he was 14 years old he was making wooden seals carrying the names of the – supposed – periodicals that he would publish, such as “SPIRIT” («ΠΝΕΥΜΑ») or “RENAISANCE” («ΑΝΑΓΕΝΝΗΣΙΣ») (5).

From September of 1919 until 1921 he leaves his family environment to go to the Middle School of the town of Paroikia, the only Middle School in Paros, where he was living in the dormitories (cells like) of the historical Palaiochristian Church  of Ekatontapyliane (6) (the Church of 100 doors).  The children would go back home every Saturday.


Studies in the High School of Syros


“With God’s help I finished the elementary school of Lefkes, and afterwards the middle school of Paros.  I expressed my desire to further continue my education.  The municipality of Cyclades islands, where today are functioning over 30 high schools, at that time had only one high school, the famous High School of Syros, which basically covered the whole area of the Cyclades islands.  I studied there from 1921-1925.  I was a hard working student and I excelled in all classes.  I was fortunate to have excellent high school directors, the ever memorable Ioannes Rosses, a famous and wise author of  text books used in school curriculums, as well as Constantine Gavras –  both of them were devoted to the ancient Greek language, thus conveying to the students the love for the Hellenic education, the Greek culture and writings.    During this period Fr. Philotheos was often visiting the city of Hermoupolis, and his sermons and especially the holy life that he was leading would be a source of inspiration for all of us.


I successfully finished my high school studies.  Friends and relatives were constantly urging me to continue my studies in one of those scientific fields that were appealing at that time, and still today continue to attract a multitude of young people.  However, I decided to study theology.  When I announced my decision to my father, after confessing it first to Fr. Philotheos, he said to me: my dearest son, even though we have three unmarried girls in need of care and protection, I don’t want to hinder your plans.  All I ask from you is that you become worthy of your call .


In an environment that had already started to be polluted by various antichristian ideas and practices, Andreas was unwaveringly holding the line of navigation which he had drawn. During every school-year he was distinguished among the other classmates, and as a result honored with the famous Koskorozio award.    In all class-discussions he was always the first and always victorious, without losing his sense of humor.   He was leading a simple life, studying hard and keeping all the Church fasting, even though he was far away from home; this though brought as a result frequent colds.  Perhaps these fasts and the hard work with his studies contributed to a greater deterioration of his health.  Rarely would he come out on the streets during his free time with his fellow students.

__________________________________________

(1) Periodical «ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΣΠΗΘΑ», “CHRISTIANIKE SPITHA” (which means Christian Spark) – No: 440/1985.

(2) Bishop Augoustinos N. Kantiotes Metropolitan of Florina, Homilies on the 50th Psalm, Athens 2000, pp.208-209.
(3) See pamphlet “A Horrendous Slander” – «Μιά βδελυρά συκοφαντία», editions of Orthodox Association “The Shield of Orthodoxy” – «Ασπής της Ορθοδοξίας», Athens 1960.
(4) See Encyclicals 519/1993 and 531/1994 “An Account of the Seventh Four-Years Period” – «Απολογισμός εβδόμης τετραετίας», by Bishop Augoustinos Metropolitan of Florina, Athens 1996, pp.423-451.
(5) See the book of Nicholaos Alimprantes, “Metropolitan Augustinos-His Childhood Years” – «Αυγουστίνος Καντιώτης-Τά παιδικά του χρόνια», Athens, 1982, pp.77, 82, 86-87
(6) Church was dedicated to the All-holy Theotokos  by St. Helen, the mother of Emperor Constantine, during one of her trips to the Holy land when she was forced to stop at this island due to stormy weather out at sea.


ΣΥΝΕΧΙΖΕΤΑΙ

Humbly translated by Aleksander P. Filip

With deep love from my heart and with a whole lot of gratitude from my soul, I dedicate this work to the honorable Elder, the exemplary champion of Orthodoxy, the enlightened hierarch of the Church of Christ, the fervent and the restless preacher of the Word of God, Bishop of Florina Father Augoustinos


LORD GOD JESUS CHRIST REST THE SOUL OF BISHOP AUGOUSTINOS!