Greeting of the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan on Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War

May 9, 2026. Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, congratulated the people of Kazakhstan on the anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War:

Dear people of Kazakhstan! Brothers and sisters!

I cordially congratulate you on the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War!

May 9 is a national holiday filled both with radiant joy and deep sorrow, a symbol of unparalleled heroism, unbending will, and the indomitable strength of spirit of the multinational people who defended their Fatherland and upheld peace on earth.

Victory in the Great Patriotic War came to our forebears at the dear cost of countless sufferings, sacrifices, and hardships, and on this day we remember all those who resisted the enemy invasion, who, sparing not their lives, forged victory both on the home front and on the battlefield; we bow our heads before those who fell for the freedom and independence of the country.

With gratitude remembering the sacrificial feat of our ancestors, we strive to do everything possible to preserve the greatest achievement of Victory – peace and harmony among peoples.

The Orthodox Church contributes to preserving the eternal memory of the Great Patriotic War, to the work of affirming traditional spiritual and moral values in the country, and to the upbringing of the younger generation in love for the Motherland. On this sacred and festive day, She offers fervent prayers for the defenders of the Fatherland, for peace and prosperity on the blessed land of Kazakhstan.

Today, in all churches, prayers of thanksgiving are being offered for the deliverance of humanity from the fascist yoke, along with a special commemoration of departed soldiers who suffered and perished during the years of the Great Patriotic War.

On this sacred and festive day, I wish all of you peace, health, and well-being.

The Head of the Metropolitan District sent congratulatory messages on Victory Day to the President of the country K.-J.K. Tokayev, members of the government, akims of cities and regions, and parliamentarians.