On October 3, 2024, the feast day of Saint Oleg, the pious Prince of Bryansk, marks the name day of Oleg Nikolaevich Ovchinnikov, Secretary of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District, Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, Choir Director of the Metropolitan Choir, and member of the Patriarchal Council for the Development of Russian Church Singing.
Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, offered his congratulations to Oleg Nikolaevich. His Eminence wrote in his message:
"Dear Oleg Nikolaevich!
Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on the day of your heavenly patron, Saint Oleg, the pious Prince of Bryansk!
For many years, you have served both God and people in the field of musical and choral culture, with nearly fifteen of those years as the conductor of the choir of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District. The beginning of your creative journey is tied to the historic Seraphim Cathedral in the city of Vyatka, and your early work as a choir director began at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Makaryevo, the first church in Russia to be returned to the faithful after decades of godless persecution. Your spiritual father and mentor, who strengthened you on this chosen path, was the late Metropolitan Chrysanthem of Vyatka and Slobodskoy. Among your teachers in church singing were many brilliant and unique directors and singers who received their musical education during the Synodal era. The defining qualities of your creative work are fidelity to the traditions of liturgical singing, diligence, and a deep understanding of the works of classical composers. In addition to your musical talents, you possess excellent organizational skills and the ability to connect with people from all walks of life, showing sensitivity and care for the singers in the choirs you lead.
Your work holds great significance for the development of culture and the arts in the Republic of Kazakhstan. As the head of the Metropolitan District Choir, you not only reveal the beauty and grandeur of church musical traditions but also contribute to fostering cultural dialogue and strengthening spiritual ties between countries and peoples. You have earned the respect and love of many admirers of classical choral music. Thanks to your work with church compositions by outstanding 19th- and 20th-century composers, audiences in many cities across Kazakhstan, Russia, the CIS, and far beyond have had the opportunity to experience the masterpieces of sacred music. It is gratifying that you do not rest on your laurels but continue your creative exploration, participate in various musical projects, and release albums featuring the finest examples of both sacred and secular choral music.
As I congratulate you on the day of your heavenly patron, I wish that the work of the choir you lead may continue to proclaim 'peace and joy in the Holy Spirit' (Rom. 14:17) throughout the land of Kazakhstan.
May the Lord, through the prayers of Saint Oleg, the pious Prince of Bryansk, and the intercession of the New Martyrs and Confessors who shone forth across our land, grant you creative longevity, peace, and well-being, and deem you worthy to continue serving both God and people for many more years in the field of church and classical musical arts."
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