Address by Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan on the Occasion of the 15th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Kostanay Diocese

Venerable Fathers, dear brothers and sisters!

In 2025, we are commemorating a significant date — the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Kostanay and Rudny Diocese of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan.

Fifteen years is but a short span in the scope of history, yet for Orthodoxy in the land of Kostanay, these years have marked a meaningful period of formation and growth in various aspects of ecclesiastical life. By the grace of God, and through the joint labors of archpastors, clergy, monastics, and laity, ancient sacred sites have been restored and continue to undergo restoration; new parishes have been founded; Sunday schools for children and adults have begun their work; educational and charitable projects have been implemented.

The Iveron-Petropavlovsk Convent, once destroyed during the godless persecutions, has been restored from oblivion, and now, on this historic site, the lamp of humble monastic prayer is once again alight. A major step in the development of diocesan life was the construction in Kostanay of a spiritual, cultural, and administrative center bearing the name of Bishop Timon (Rusanov), a confessor of the faith and an exemplar of piety. The center has become a venue for socially significant events and the realization of educational, scholarly, and cultural initiatives.

The history of the Church of Christ is the history of holiness. Thus, a special place in diocesan ministry is devoted to the search for materials about the righteous ones who have shone forth in our land. For every sincerely believing person, it is important to honor and remember the struggles of the new martyrs and the humble labors of Christ’s confessors. Among the names of the righteous and ascetics of the Kostanay region, a special place belongs to its first archpastor — Bishop Timon (Rusanov). God willing, through the painstaking work of diocesan researchers, all necessary materials for his canonization will soon be gathered, and the glorification of Bishop Timon among the saints will take place.

All the labors accomplished in the Kostanay Diocese over these 15 years are our humble response to the Lord’s command: “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel” (Mark 16:15). As the Apostle Paul affirms, saving faith is sown in the hearts of men through hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17). Today, we Orthodox Christians — and especially the ministers of the Lord’s altar — must tirelessly bear witness near and far to the truth that only in the Crucified and Risen Christ is true life to be found — and life abundantly (John 10:10). Now we are granted many opportunities for this — let us not squander this precious time, nor fall prey to the spirit of sloth or carelessness.

I wish to sincerely thank the pastors, monastics, and laity for their service to the Church of Christ, for their labors endured, and for their readiness to continue with fervent zeal, to remain fervent in spirit, and to serve the Lord (Rom. 12:11). Through the intercession of the Queen of Heaven and the prayers of the New Martyrs and Confessors of Kazakhstan, may the Kostanay Diocese continue to be strengthened and flourish — and may our light so shine before men, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father Who is in heaven (Matt. 5:16).