Address by Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan in Commemoration of the 225th Anniversary of the Birth of Archbishop Sofony (Sokolsky)

Dear brothers and sisters,

This year marks the 225th anniversary of the birth of the ever-memorable Archbishop Sofony (Sokolsky) – a prominent ecclesiastical figure and spiritual enlightener of the 19th century, the Apostle of the Great Steppe, the first hierarch of the Turkestan Diocese, the successors of which today are the Metropolis of Kazakhstan and the Central Asian Metropolitan District.

The Gospel truth was proclaimed on the Kazakh land in ancient times, already at the dawn of the Christian era. There were many preachers and enlighteners here, but the history of the establishment and active development of the Orthodox Church in Central Asia truly begins with the ministry of Saint Sofony. This great laborer in Christ’s field arrived here at the age of 70. One eyewitness of the hierarch’s deeds wrote: “Like a young man, he would rush across the expanses of the Great Steppe, founding churches and establishing parishes, calling God’s people to the saving faith in Christ.”

The apostolic labors of Archbishop Sofony in Central Asia were preceded by years of fruitful service in various dioceses of Russia, in Rome and Constantinople, in the Caucasus and Little Russia. Among his special and historic merits was his work toward the reunion of the Persian Syro-Chaldean Nestorians with the Orthodox Church. As a hieromonk, he prepared for monastic tonsure Dmitry Alexandrovich Bryanchaninov – later Bishop Ignatius of the Caucasus, a renowned ecclesiastical writer and theologian. It is known that a long-standing spiritual friendship bound them thereafter.

The greatest spiritual feats, which crowned the righteous life of this archpastor, were performed while he governed the newly established Turkestan Diocese. Forgetting about his ailments, never thinking of rest, this aged saint zealously served the Church of Christ until his final breath. He fearlessly traveled, overcoming great distances to enlighten his flock with the word of the Gospel – and the nomadic tribes still steeped in pagan superstitions. The Most Reverend Bishop Sofony may rightly be called one who shaped the modern church history of Central Asia. In every place and at all times, the archpastor displayed his talents and extraordinary strength of spirit. He organized the work of the consistory, founded a choir, built and outfitted churches, trained candidates for the priesthood, and even found time to prepare his theological works and sermons for publication. In 1876, his book Words and Sermons was published in Saint Petersburg, as was the complete four-volume edition of his collected works. And all this – with practically no substantial material resources.

Vladyka Sofony, being a very well-read, educated man, erudite in all respects, earned respect in the highest circles, while his deep knowledge of the Quran and Arabic language allowed him to win the favor of both Islamic religious leaders and ordinary Muslims. His eloquent and wise words and sermons made a lasting impression on people. He was a true ascetic and man of piety who desired nothing personal – he lived entirely for Christ and His Holy Church. His time was wholly devoted to prayer, pastoral care for his flock, and arduous administrative labors. His personality became an example for clergymen ministering on the southern frontier of Christian civilization.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Ps. 116:15), says the Psalmist. Vladyka Sofony departed this life in the manner of the saints of old. Courageously enduring illness, he reposed while reading the Creed on his deathbed, and on the words “I look for the resurrection of the dead,” he breathed his last.

“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live” (John 11:25), says the Lord – and therefore His worthy servants live and rejoice in eternity: hierarchs and pastors, monastics and laity. Their names are written in golden letters in the history of Orthodoxy in Kazakhstan. “Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct” (Heb. 13:7), exhorts the Apostle Paul. The image of Saint Sofony, his example of self-sacrifice and diligence, possesses tremendous moral power and manifests the truth of Christ’s Gospel. It is our sacred duty to cherish the memory of Vladyka Sofony, who with his labors contributed to the spread of God’s truth on the ancient Kazakh land, and gave his life in service to the Holy Church.

Eternal and grateful memory to Archbishop Sofony of Turkestan and Tashkent – ascetic of piety, preacher of truth, zealous laborer in the field of Christ, Apostle of the Great Steppe and of Semirechye.