A controversial video of a priest baptising a child with a rather aggressive technique went viral last week, and received significant backlash.

In reports around the world, the cleric conducting the service was said to be Greek Orthodox due to his robes, the interior of the church, and the technique being used, which saw him dunking the baby in the baptismal font, not dissimilar to that in the Orthodox tradition, albeit a ‘violent’ form.

The video posted on Twitter by @Miss_Patriciah with the caption ‘IS THIS YOUR PRIEST!!!?????’, was said to have been taken in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, and in some instances was even referred to as ‘an archbishop’ of the church.

However it has since been confirmed by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia that the priest in the video is not in fact Greek Orthodox.

“The Greek Archdiocese of Australia would like to make it known that this is definitely not the Greek Orthodox practice. The ‘priest’ in question is not Greek Orthodox, nor is he a bishop of the Greek Orthodox Church as is alleged of the video,” they said.

Continuing, the Archdiocese emphasised that the practice in the video was not at all condoned by the Greek Orthodox Church.

“…not only are they inappropriate but they are also nothing short of being physically abusive. Whilst the early Church practice by full immersion is carried out to this day in the Greek Orthodox Church, this is typically done by seating the infant in the baptismal font and gently pouring water over their head in much the same way that they might be bathed by their parents.”

The Greek Archdiocese of Britain also came out in defence of the Greek Orthodox Church, distancing itself from the video.

“We would like to make clear that this is not in a Greek Orthodox Church (as wrongly stated in the press) – in either the UK, Greece or Cyprus. The ‘priest’ is also definitely not a Bishop or Archbishop, as reported. This is quite evident by style of dress. We also note the fact that they are also speaking a language other than Greek,” they said.

It has yet to be confirmed which denomination the priest, and practice in the video belong to.

Watch the video that went viral below: