Address of Metropolitan Alexander at the Reception in the Cultural and Spiritual Center Named After Saints Cyril and Methodius in Astana

September 18, 2025. Astana. The concluding point of the official program of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill’s visit to Kazakhstan was a reception hosted by Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan and the akim of Astana, Zh. M. Kassymbek, which took place at the Metropolis’ Cultural and Spiritual Center named after Saints Cyril and Methodius.

Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan addressed His Holiness with a welcoming speech:

Your Holiness!

Today, in the cultural, spiritual, and administrative center of the Metropolis in Astana, we are gathered with hierarchs serving in Kazakhstan, representatives of the state authorities of the Republic, diplomats, public figures, and benefactors whose support makes possible the implementation of various church projects and initiatives.

Yesterday was a very eventful day for You – You took part in the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, met with the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev, and held meetings with political and religious leaders. And today You grant us the wonderful opportunity to meet with You, to converse, to hear Your Primatial word, and to receive a blessing for our further labors.

This year marks a special date for our country – it has been 15 years since the canonical and legal status of the Metropolis of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Republic of Kazakhstan was established. This period has been marked by the development of all aspects of church life: new dioceses have been founded, parishes established, churches built and ancient shrines restored, dialogue with the state has been strengthened, theological education and catechesis have developed, as well as social and youth ministry. All these blessed changes have taken place thanks to You – through Your initiative and with Your direct pastoral care. We know how attentively You follow political and social events in Kazakhstan, how carefully You study the reports of the dioceses of the Metropolis, sharing with hierarchs, clergy, and faithful alike both in their joys and in their trials. You unfailingly seek to instill in us optimism, hope, and trust in God. In Your daily labors, You show us an example of selfless service for the good of the Church and of people of different nationalities and religious backgrounds. “Әкеге қарап ұл өсер” – “Looking at the father, the son grows,” says an ancient Kazakh proverb. Millions of believers see in You a loving and, at the same time, demanding father, who by both word and example inspires spiritual growth, development, and perfection.

It is a great joy and honor for all of us gathered here today to be in Your presence, to share the joy of this good fellowship with You, to hear Your reflections on the pressing issues of religious, political, and social life. We thank You most sincerely, Your Holiness.