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His Eminence, Metropolitan Cyprian of Oropos and Fili was born in Agrinion, Greece, in 1935.
Metropolitan Cyprian received his theological and monastic training under the tutelage of his spiritual Father, the Blessed Elder Philotheos (Zervakos [†1980]), a spiritual son of St. Nectarios of Aegina. In addition to his monastic and seminary studies (Hieratike Schole), he holds two theological degrees honoris causa: by the unanimous selection of the Board of Advisors of the Center for Traditionalist Orthodox Studies, the Licentiate in Theology, in recognition of his voluminous writings and eloquent theological and pastoral works; and a doctorate in theology from the Orthodox Theological Academy of St. Martin.
With the blessing and at the direction of Elder Philotheos, His Eminence founded, in 1961, the Monastery of Sts. Cyprian and Justina in Fili, Attika, of which he is Abbot. Along with the Brotherhood under him, and once again with the blessing and guidance of his renowned Elder, he walled himself off from the innovating (New Calendarist) State Church of Greece, in which he was a highly respected clergyman, and joined the anti-innovationist Old Calendar Orthodox Church of Greece on 3/16 January, 1969.
Among his many articles, missionary pamphlets, and books on Orthodox theology and spirituality are numerous publications that have been translated into English and which enjoy great popularity among the Orthodox in diaspora. Aside from other widely read and distributed titles are A Manual for Coenobitic Monastics, The Monastic Life, The World Council of Churches and the Interfaith Movement, Eldress Myrtidiotissa, "Schism" or "Walling Off"? and Do You Have a Ticket?
In May 2007, the trustees and directors of the Florovsky Memorial Fund voted to award the 2007 "Florovsky Theological Prize" to Metropolitan Cyprian, in recognition of his many years of service to the Orthodox Church and his theological writings. Additionally, in appreciation for his decades of spiritual guidance, in 2006 the "Metropolitan Cyprian Theological Library" was established in His Eminence's honor, under the auspices of the St. Gregory Palamas Monastery, at the Center for Traditionalist Orthodox Studies (C.T.O.S.) in Etna, California. He has served on the distinguished international Board of Advisors of the C.T.O.S. since its founding.
Consecrated Bishop on 7 February 1979 (Old Style), His Eminence was elected President of the Holy Synod in Resistance on 5 April 1985 (Old Style).
• Name Day: 2 October (Holy Hieromartyr Cyprian)
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