Metropolitan congratulated the rector of the Iversky-Seraphim Monastery, abbess Lyubov with the 115th anniversary of the monastery's foundation and the 20th anniversary of its revival:

Most Honorable Mother Abbess!

I warmly congratulate you on the momentous occasions—the 115th anniversary of the founding and the 20th anniversary of the revival of the Iversky-Seraphim Monastery of the Southern Capital.

The monastery was established at the turn of the century in the city of Verny by the industrious efforts of the distinguished Turkistan bishop, Dimitri (Abashidze), glorified among the saints as Schema-Archbishop Antony. Soon after its inception, the monastery became a prominent spiritual and charitable center in Semirechye, a calm haven amid the storms of life. A brief period of flourishing was followed by an hour of fiery trial, to test those sent by (1 Peter 4:12)—in this holy place, the abomination of desolation (Daniel 11:31) was set up by the enemies of the Church. But, as the Psalmist says, the Lord does not keep His anger forever, nor will He harbor His wrath forever (Psalms 103:9). Through the prayers of the new martyrs and confessors, He showed marvelous mercy (Psalms 31:21), and in recent times the monastery was resurrected from oblivion—once again, the lamp of monastic prayer warmed and humble labors began, carried out for the glory of God.

By divine providence, you, most honorable mother abbess, were granted the privilege of being at the origins of the restoration of this all-Kazakhstan shrine, and for these twenty years, you have tirelessly striven for its restoration and embellishment. You consistently strive to preserve the traditions of monastic deeds and show care for the sisters entrusted to your care, as well as the numerous guests and pilgrims. Dedicated to the Queen of Heaven and the venerable elder Seraphim, the monastery has once again become a significant spiritual and cultural center in Almaty. Here lies a multitude of venerated icons and holy relics of God's chosen ones; here rest great Orthodox hierarchs and our celestial patrons—confessor of the faith, Metropolitan Joseph (Chernov), and the apostle of the Great Steppe, Archbishop Sophrony (Sokolsky). In these grace-filled walls, believers find solace and comfort, and those still seeking their path to God find their way.

May the Iversky-Seraphim Monastery in the land of Kazakhstan continue to shine with its heavenly beauty and draw souls to the knowledge of the Creator and Savior until the end of time.

I invoke God’s blessing upon you, the inhabitants of the monastery, the parishioners, and the pilgrims.