December 11, 2024. Almaty. In the throne hall of the Spiritual and Cultural Center of the Kazakhstan Metropolis named after Metropolitan Joseph (Chernov), church awards were presented to those who labored for the benefit of Orthodoxy in Kazakhstan, as well as to individuals commemorating significant jubilees and anniversaries this past year.
The awards ceremony was presided over by Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan.
Participants in the event included: Oleg Nikolaevich Ovchinnikov, Secretary of the Kazakhstan Metropolis and Honored Artist of Russia; Protopriest Evgeny Ivanov, Acting Rector of the Almaty Theological Seminary and Head of the Information Department of the Metropolis; Hieromonk Prokhor (Yendovitsky), Head of the Metropolitan’s Personal Secretariat; Priest Georgy Sidorov, Assistant to the Head of the Metropolis; Protodeacon Roman Golovin, Head of the Metropolitan’s Protocol Service; and staff of the Almaty Diocesan Administration.
Metropolitan Alexander addressed the honorees with the following words:
“Time flows swiftly, the year is nearing its end, and very soon we will be celebrating the feast of peace and God’s love for humanity—Christmas. In the Kazakhstan Metropolis, we have established a wonderful tradition during this period of honoring clergy and laity with church recognition.
It brings me great joy today to see all of you here and to present awards from the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan. This year has been marked by a particularly significant historical event—we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Astana and Almaty Diocese.
I know how challenging it can be in today’s world to carry out pastoral ministry or fulfill other important obediences. Yet, by God’s mercy and through your labors, our diocese continues to flourish. May the church awards you receive today inspire you to greater zeal in serving our Mother Church. All that we do, we do not for ourselves but to strengthen and affirm our beloved Orthodoxy, to share the beauty of the heavenly world with more people, and to transform the world around us with the light of faith in Christ.
The Psalmist David teaches us to pray to God in our labors, plans, and achievements with these words: ‘Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy Name give glory’ (Psalm 113:9). I sincerely thank each of you and urge you not to lose spiritual resolve when faced with difficulties and challenging circumstances. ‘God is with us!’ These words, which we will hear frequently during the Christmas season, are an absolute reality for every Orthodox Christian.
The Lord is with each of us, guiding, strengthening, and helping when we turn to Him with prayer and trust. I wish all of you God’s mercy and blessed success in your service, labors, and endeavors for the benefit of the Church, your neighbors, and our beloved Kazakhstan.”
These were among the words spoken by the Metropolitan.
Following his address, Metropolitan Alexander presented church awards to the honorees.
Recipients of the Order of Confessor Nicholas, Metropolitan of Almaty and Kazakhstan:
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Protopriest Gennady Kadnikov, Dean of the Uzun-Agash Church District;
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Hieromonk Barsonuphius (Larionov), Rector of the Michael the Archangel Church in Turgenevo;
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Protopriest Alexander Ageyev, Rector of the Seraphim Church in Chapaevo;
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Protopriest Sergy Desyatov, Cleric of the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God, “Joy of All Who Sorrow,” in Almaty;
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Priest Vyacheslav Isikov, Deputy Chairman of the Diocesan Commission on Social Ministry and Cleric of St. Nicholas Cathedral in Almaty.
Recipients of the Order of Holy Martyr Pimen, Bishop of Verny and Semirechye:
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Priest Alexander Triandofilov, Cleric of the Epiphany Church in Almaty;
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Hieromonk Isaac (Istelyuyev), Cleric of the Kazan Cathedral in Almaty;
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Hieromonk Roman (Chistyakov), Cleric of the Ascension Cathedral.
Recipient of the Order of St. Sophonius, Archbishop of Turkestan:
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Protopriest Sergy Kazimirov, Chairman of the Commission on Educational Ministry of the Astana and Almaty Diocese, Rector of the Vladimir Parish in Chemolgan;
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Hieromonk Gennady (Solovyov), Cleric of the Church of St. John the Theologian in Almaty;
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Alexander Solovyov, Ph.D. in Philosophy and Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of the Almaty Theological Seminary.
Other Recognitions: Igumen Philaret (Petrochenko), Rector of the Iveron Church in Boraldai, received the Order of Venerable Confessor Sebastian of Karaganda. Hieromonk Levky (Yershov), Cleric of the Exaltation of the Cross Church, was awarded the Order of Venerable Martyrs Seraphim and Theognost of Almaty.
Recipients of the Order of “Ынталы Қызмет Үшiн” (For Diligent Service): Protopriest Alexander Gaychenya, Sacristan of the Nativity Cathedral; Hierodeacon Stephen (Popov), Cleric of the same cathedral.
Recipient of the Order of “Енбек Үшiн” (For Labor): Priest Dimitry Rejep, Cleric of the Nativity Cathedral.
Other Honorees: Galina Vladimirovna Cherepanova, Director of the Central Sunday School of Almaty, was awarded the Order “For Merits to the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan.”
Protopriest Alexander Gaychenya expressed gratitude to the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan on behalf of the awardees, thanking the Metropolitan for his high trust and paternal care.
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