Condolence Message from Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan on the Repose of Archpriest Georgy Chistyakov

11 November 2025. Almaty. The Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, expressed condolences on the repose of Archpriest Georgy Chistyakov, rector of the Church of the Holy Unmercenaries and Wonderworkers Cosmas and Damian in Almaty.

To the clergy and faithful of the Almaty Diocese,

parishioners of the Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian in Almaty,

Matushka Lyubov Chistyakova, family, and friends of the newly departed.

Dear fathers, brothers, and sisters, Today we bid farewell to the newly departed rector of the Church of the Holy Unmercenaries and Wonderworkers Cosmas and Damian, Archpriest Georgy Chistyakov. Sorrow fills the hearts of all who knew, respected, and loved the reposed pastor – a diligent laborer in Christ’s vineyard, an example of service to God and neighbor, a humble and virtuous man.

As is said on behalf of the departed during the Christian burial rite: “Yesterday I spoke with you, and suddenly the dreadful hour of death overtook me.” Yet, amid this sorrow, we are comforted by the words of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die” (John 11:25–26).

Saint Ephraim the Syrian wrote about the last farewell of the flock with its shepherd: “When we look and do not see you among us, we will be clothed in grief and sorrow; but when we imagine that you are in the heavenly bridal chamber, our spirit will rejoice and be glad.”

When we bid farewell to our loved ones on their journey to eternity, scenes of their lives pass before our inner sight – memories of shared joy, good deeds, and kind conversations. Holy Scripture testifies: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord… they will rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them” (Rev. 14:13).

The deeds of the reposed Father Georgy encompass more than three decades of service at the altar of the Lord – the offering of the Holy Eucharist “for all and for all things”, the building and adornment of churches, and the care of his spiritual children so that they might grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 3:18).

Year after year, Archpriest Georgy labored for the good of Orthodoxy on his native Kazakh land. Through his efforts, in 2023 the construction of a new Church of the Holy Unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian began in Almaty. God willing, through the zeal and work of devoted people, this blessed endeavor of Father Georgy will be fulfilled, and a new church will adorn the southern capital.

The newly departed clergyman was distinguished by kindness and hospitality and by his ability to find common ground with everyone. In the final years of his earthly life, he endured a painful illness with patience and trust in God’s mercy. Now he is born into eternity. The Lord, in His mercy, granted His servant to partake of the Life-Giving Mysteries shortly before the end of his earthly journey – “for the remission of sins and for life everlasting.”

Let us fervently pray to our reigning Savior for the repose of the newly departed pastor in the heavenly dwellings – where there is no sickness, nor sorrow, nor sighing, but life everlasting. May he be found worthy to hear the desired words of Christ, to Whom he dedicated his life: “Enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matt. 25:21).

“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work” (2 Thess. 2:16–17).

Eternal and grateful memory to the servant of God, Archpriest Georgy!