Holy Monastery of Agios Avgoustinos in Florina
From Prayer to Deeds: The Monastery that Preserves the Legacy of Metropolitan Avgoustinos
The Holy Women’s Cenobitic Monastery of Agios Avgoustinos in Florina was founded in 1999 by the late Metropolitan of Florina, Prespa, and Eordaia, Avgoustinos Kantiotis, one of the most significant preachers of the Church of Greece. Its foundation was established by Presidential Decree and is housed in the facilities of the former Macedonian Handicraft House, at the northern entrance of Florina, near the parish church of Agia Paraskevi and the settlement of Neofotistoi. The monastery’s location offers easy access for pilgrims while maintaining an atmosphere of spiritual tranquility and peace.
The monastery operates as a women’s cenobitic community, with around 20 nuns and Abbess Sister Synglitiki. The sisters dedicate themselves to prayer, spiritual study, handicrafts, and the welcoming of pilgrims. The Katholikon (main church) is dedicated to Agios Avgoustinos, Bishop of Hippo, commemorated on June 15, Osia Maria of Egypt, a symbol of repentance and asceticism, and Osia Synglitiki, a model of monastic life. Additionally, the monastery houses two chapels: one dedicated to the Panagia Engyitria (the Guarantor Mother of God), and another to Agia Monica, the mother of Agios Avgoustinos, who through her prayers led her son to the Christian faith.
The main feast of the monastery takes place on June 15, honoring Agios Avgoustinos. On this day, many faithful gather to participate in the liturgical services and receive the blessings of the monastery. A particularly meaningful site within the monastery is the grave of the late Metropolitan Avgoustinos Kantiotis, who played a pivotal role in the spiritual renewal of the region and served as a shining example of an Orthodox shepherd.
The Holy Monastery of Agios Avgoustinos stands as a significant spiritual beacon within the Metropolis of Florina. Through its monastic life, sacred shrines, and profound connection to Metropolitan Avgoustinos, it offers a place of prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal for the faithful, continuing to play an important role in the spiritual life of the region.
Information
Holy Monastery of Agios Avgoustinos, Sterika Kouli 23, Florina, 53100
Phone: +302385028610
Highlights
• Katholikon (Main Church): Dedicated to Agios Avgoustinos, Osia Maria of Egypt, and Osia Synglitiki. The church features a contemporary yet austere architectural style, adorned with icons and sacred relics.
• Tomb of Metropolitan Avgoustinos Kantiotis: A revered site located within the monastery grounds. Many faithful come to venerate the late Metropolitan, one of the most prominent Orthodox preachers of the modern era.
• Monastery Chapels: Chapel of Panagia Engyitria, dedicated to the protective and intercessory role of the Theotokos, Chapel of Agia Monica, mother of Agios Avgoustinos — a rare dedication in Orthodox tradition.
• Monastery Gardens: Beautifully landscaped with flowers and trees, the grounds offer visitors peace, seating areas, and walking paths for prayer and meditation.
• Monastic Handicraft Workshops: The nuns engage in iconography, embroidery, and the preparation of items such as incense, ointments, and herbs — all available to visitors.