Metropolitan Alexander Congratulates Archimandrite Peter (Goroshko), Spiritual Father of the Nativity of the Mother of God Monastery in Karaganda, on His Name Day

On January 3, 2025, the feast day of Saint Peter, Metropolitan of Moscow and Wonderworker of All Russia, Archimandrite Peter (Goroshko), spiritual father of the Nativity of the Mother of God Monastery in the Karaganda Diocese, celebrated his name day.

Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, extended heartfelt congratulations to Father Peter, wishing him the Lord’s mercy, strength of soul and body, many years of life, and divine assistance in his ministry for the benefit of Christ’s Church.

“Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on the feast of your heavenly patron, Saint Peter, Metropolitan of Moscow and Wonderworker of All Russia. Christ, the Chief Shepherd, has bestowed upon you His special grace: you were blessed to be a spiritual child and disciple of Saint Sebastian of Karaganda, a ‘servant of the Holy Trinity,’ one of the last elders of Optina Monastery, a confessor of the faith, and the heavenly patron of the land of Kazakhstan.

Receiving from Saint Sebastian the lessons of firm trust in God and the traditions of true piety, you have become a spiritual father and wise guide to a great number of Orthodox Christians and seekers of salvation, one who ‘proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation’ (Isaiah 52:7).

The traditions of piety and spiritual wisdom imparted by Saint Sebastian are generously shared by you with all who call you their spiritual father and mentor, those who seek your counsel and consolation. The years of your life have been filled with many fruitful labors—you have ministered under difficult conditions of persecution against Orthodoxy, witnessed and participated in the revival of faith in Kazakhstan’s mining regions, and fostered the work of Christ’s Gospel mission on Karaganda soil.

Through wise words, fervent prayer, and the example of your life, you ignite the salvific fire of Christ’s faith in the souls of people, laboring diligently to enlighten both monastics and laypeople with the knowledge of the glory of God (2 Corinthians 4:6).

Your labors have been recognized by many ecclesiastical honors, including the highest award granted by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill—the right to wear a second pectoral cross.

On this special day for you, I prayerfully wish you God’s grace, robust health, and peace of soul. Many and blessed years to you!”