The Head of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District congratulated His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' on the anniversary of his enthronement

February 1, 2025 is the 16th anniversary of the enthronement of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus'.

Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan sent a congratulatory address to the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church:

Your Holiness, the Most Holy Vladyka!

Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of the anniversary of your Patriarchal enthronement!

By the will of the Holy Spirit and the conciliar election of the Russian Orthodox Church, you were elevated to the throne of the Primates of Moscow. You, Your Holiness, bear on your shoulders the Primate's omophorion - a symbol of responsibility for millions of human souls.

Giving all your strength and talents to serving the Holy Church, tirelessly caring for the welfare of the Mother Church, you lead the flock entrusted to you by Christ to the haven of salvation - the Kingdom of Heaven, testifying to close and distant about the true Light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. (John 1:9).
The years of your Patriarchal service have been marked by the adoption of truly key decisions aimed at strengthening the traditional spiritual foundations of the countries and peoples that are part of the canonical space of the Russian Orthodox Church, including Kazakhstan.

Through your efforts, church-state and interreligious dialogues are successfully developing, and the unity of Orthodox peoples is put at the forefront.
"Preaching the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness" (Acts 28:31), your life is a shining example of exceptional efficiency and fortitude, diligent, selfless service, ascetic work, inspiring all of us - archpastors and pastors, monastics and laity - to further work in the missionary and educational field.

On this solemn day for you and all Orthodox Christians, I respectfully ask you, Your Holiness, to accept my wishes for good health, God's help in your high Primate service for the good of the Holy Church.
Today and always, at every Liturgy, your Kazakhstani flock with one mouth and one heart raises prayers to the Lord of Powers for your good health and prosperity.
Many, kind and blessed years to you!