Address of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan on the Occasion of the 125th Anniversary of the Church of the Holy Archangel Michael in the City of Kaskelen

Your Very Reverend Father Pavel,

Honourable Fathers, dear brothers and sisters,

“Build a sanctuary to the Lord your God” (1 Chr. 22:19) – this appeal of the Psalmist, King David, addressed to the hearts of the faithful, resounds to us from the depths of the ages. At all times, wherever Orthodox Christians lived and whatever circumstances marked their earthly path, the House of God has always been for them a source of spiritual strength, a school of salvation, a quiet haven amid the sea of worldly cares.

The life of Orthodox people in Semirechye – a land located on the boundary of European and Asian civilizations, in a region where various traditions, cultures and religions intersect – was likewise unthinkable without churches, without a full liturgical life, without participation in the Sacraments of the Church. The House of God often became not only the spiritual center of a parish community but also a place where folk traditions were preserved, culture and enlightenment developed, and charitable works were carried out. Settlers from Russia – the Cossacks, merchants, peasants and craftsmen – brought with them family relics, venerated icons, liturgical vessels and books. At first they established small field churches, and later they built parish temples distinguished by the beauty of their adornment and the elegance of their architectural forms.

In 2025 an important historical anniversary is marked by the old church in the city of Kaskelen – the Church of the Holy Archangel Michael. One hundred and twenty-five years have passed since the completion of its construction and its consecration. It is also impossible not to recall another significant date in the life of the Michael Church. Thirty years ago the building, once taken away from the faithful by the godless authorities, partly ruined and dilapidated, was returned to the Orthodox community. From that moment a long and difficult process began – the restoration of the desecrated shrine and the revival of parish life. Today, lifted high toward heaven by its domes, the majestic Church of the Archangel Michael stands as one of the symbols of the renewal of church life on the soil of Kazakhstan and as a monument to the courage of the clergy and laity of the twentieth century, who fearlessly confessed the truth of God before the face of militant unbelief. This holy place bears witness to the triumph of the Lord over non-being and decay, to the power of the spirit, to the fact that “neither death nor life nor angels nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things to come nor height nor depth nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38–39).

The celebration of the 125th anniversary of the consecration of the Michael Church compels us to remember the role of the temple in the life of every Orthodox Christian. “Blessed is the one who always lives near the temple of God. He lives near Heaven, near Paradise, near salvation,” says St. Ignatius (Brianchaninov). It is precisely in the church, listening to the services and participating in the saving Sacraments of the Church, that we are spiritually transfigured and strengthened in love for God and our neighbour, drawing down the grace-filled strength needed for our earthly journey. In the House of God our spirit, wearied by the vanity of worldly cares, finds peace. Crossing its threshold, we hear the words of the Saviour: “Come unto Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Mt. 11:28). And the most important action that unfolds beneath the sacred vaults is the “Mystery of mysteries,” the Divine Liturgy, at which the Bloodless Sacrifice is offered for the life of the world and the faithful partake of the holy, most pure and life-giving Mysteries of Christ “for the remission of sins and for life everlasting, for the healing of soul and body.”

Beholding the grandeur and beauty of the old Michael Church, we must remember that we ourselves are “the temple of the living God” (2 Cor. 6:16). The first and chief condition for the dwelling of the grace of God in our hearts, the foundation of a correct spiritual life, is the acquisition of true and perfect faith and steadfastness in it. “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Heb. 11:6), the Apostle Paul teaches us. Therefore the principal petition with which we must address God today is the apostolic plea: Lord, increase our faith (cf. Lk. 17:5).

As we celebrate the 125th anniversary of the consecration of the Church of the Archangel Michael, recalling its beginnings and key milestones, it is necessary to thank and prayerfully commemorate all the builders, benefactors and decorators, and to honour the memory of all who served and prayed within its sacred walls. And of course we must also acknowledge the noble labours of contemporary workers and the kind support of benefactors. According to the apostolic word, God will not forget “your work and labour of love which you have shown toward His Name” (Heb. 6:10). I would like to recall the deeply meaningful words of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill: “Those who build and restore churches enter into history. And not only into human history. The names of such people are written in a special way in the Book of Life.”

May our zeal for attending the church never diminish, may our love for the services never grow cold, and may the joy of participating in the Divine Liturgy never fade. Through the prayers of the Most Blessed Sovereign Lady Theotokos, of the Archangel Michael and the Bodiless Heavenly Powers, of the New Martyrs and Confessors of Kazakhstan, may “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father and the communion of the Holy Spirit” (2 Cor. 13:13) abide with us all.

Invoking God’s blessing,

HEAD OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH OF KAZAKHSTAN

METROPOLITAN OF ASTANA AND KAZAKHSTAN