Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan’s Greeting to the Organizers and Participants of the International Scientific Conference “Eastern Christianity on the Silk Road” in Memory of P.P. Semenov-Tyan-Shansky

Dear brothers and sisters!

I greet the participants of this international gathering, which brings together representatives of traditional Christian denominations and the academic community. Today, within the walls of the spiritual, cultural, and administrative center of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, named in honor of the confessor of the faith Metropolitan Joseph (Chernov), well-known researchers—archaeologists and specialists studying the historical artifacts of Central Asia—have come together.

Among the various fundamental ideas that define the existence of nations, set historical vectors, and shape civilizations, religious ideas have played and continue to play a dominant and primary role. Throughout human existence, religion, faith in God or the supernatural world, adherence to spiritual norms and traditions, have constituted the most essential elements of human life. Religious ideas and teachings have contributed to the formation of moral values, legal and social norms, as well as the emergence and development of science, education, culture, and the arts.

We, as both religious and secular figures, are united by the desire to more precisely and comprehensively represent the historical processes connected with the spread of Christianity in ancient times across the geographical area traversed by the Great Silk Road. By gathering together at events like this, we examine new scientific data, reflect on the role of Christianity in the history of Eastern civilizations, its interaction with other religions and cultures, and exchange views on the impact of Christian doctrine and ecclesiastical customs on the peoples of Central Asia.

Today, more than ever, the study of traditional religions and their connections to the history of nations and peoples is of significant interest. The relevance of our conference is underscored by the special importance that Central Asia holds in modern international relations, serving as a field of interaction among the world’s religions and cultures.

I would especially like to emphasize that the study of the history and spiritual heritage of traditional confessions is a necessary tool for developing dialogue and cooperation among civilizations, countries, and peoples. This knowledge is of crucial importance in combating manifestations of religious or national intolerance, discrimination, xenophobia, and their tragic consequences. Christianity, from ancient times to the present day, alongside traditional peaceful Islam, has remained a significant factor in interethnic harmony and social stability in Central Asia and has served as one of the sources of preserving and strengthening culture, public morality, and high ethical ideals.

“You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8), said the Savior to His disciples. From its very inception, Christianity has been directed toward all humanity, striving to open itself to the world, utilizing every means possible to bring the word of the Gospel to people living in the most distant corners of the earth. The Great Silk Road and the caravans that traveled along it were, in their time, the leading means of communication and interaction among different peoples. It was through nomadic culture and trade routes that, from the apostolic times and century by century, the Christian message spread throughout Central Asia. Viewing the Silk Road and its surroundings as a space for the ancient dissemination of the Gospel, the “Good News,” leads to an understanding of why knowledge of the true history of Christianity in our region holds meaning and significance for all residents of the Central Asian countries, regardless of religious or national affiliation.

Christianity is neither a new nor foreign religion for Kazakhstan and other countries of Central Asia; this fact is indisputably confirmed by numerous archaeological findings and references in historical chronicles. In the first centuries AD, spiritual enlighteners from Syria arrived here, just as they did in other countries united by the trade links of the Great Silk Road. Churches were erected, episcopal sees were established, and nomadic tribes professed faith in the Triune God and the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. Various archaeological data provide a deeper insight into the history and culture of this region, revealing its diversity and richness.

Attention to the historical destinies of Christianity in Central Asia and the labors of church figures who enlightened the lands and peoples from the banks of the Euphrates to the mountains of Manchuria is growing in our time, particularly due to the active development of dialogue between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Assyrian Church of the East.

The spread of Christianity along the Silk Road was invariably peaceful, following the apostolic example, through the word of preaching. Today, those who believe in Christ—Orthodox, Catholics, and Protestants—make their positive contributions to strengthening interfaith peace and interethnic harmony. In one of his addresses to the nation, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev noted: “Kazakhstan has always been a land of peace and creation, respect for faith and moral values, tolerance, and neighborliness.” From ancient times to the present day, Muslims and Christians in the vast expanse of the Great Steppe have worked together in brotherly love, supporting one another, contributing to the development and prosperity of their common home—blessed Kazakhstan—setting an example for other countries and peoples.

May our international conference serve not only to advance and popularize archaeological science but also as a contribution to the cause of Gospel witness in the modern world. I express hope that today’s presentations and discussions will contribute to the formation of an accurate historical picture of Christianity’s presence in Central Asia in ancient times. I invoke God’s blessing upon you and wish you success in your labors.