December 19, 2024 – The commemoration day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia.
Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Holy Martyrs Faith, Hope, Charity, and their Mother Sophia at the Patriarchal Metochion in Moscow, the Representation of the Kazakhstan Metropolis.
Concelebrating with His Eminence were: Protopriest Evgeny Ivanov, Acting Rector of Almaty Orthodox Theological Seminary and Head of the Information Department of the Metropolis; Hieromonk Antony (Drobyazko), Sacristan of the Church of the Holy Martyrs Faith, Hope, Charity, and Sophia; Protopriest Oleg Kalmykov, Rector of the Church of St. John of Kronstadt in Lisakovsk; Hieromonk Victorin (Aseyev); Hieromonk Daniel (Makagon); Deacon Anatoly Ledenev; and Deacon Roman Frolov.
The choir, directed by Anna Rozhnova, sang the hymns.
Among those praying at the service were staff of the Representation and parishioners of the church.
Following the Liturgy, a magnification was sung before the icon of St. Nicholas. A Polychronion was proclaimed for His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’, for the Head, hierarchs, clergy, and faithful of the Kazakhstan Metropolis, for the peoples of Kazakhstan and Russia, and for all those celebrating their name day.
Metropolitan Alexander extended his congratulations to the clergy and parishioners and delivered a sermon:
“Today is a beloved feast in the Church calendar as we prayerfully commemorate St. Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, the Wonderworker. ‘Greatly did the Lord glorify you in wonders, both in life and after your repose, O Hierarch Nicholas,’ the Church chants in praise of this great servant of God. St. Nicholas is loved not only in the Orthodox world. His name is known among many peoples across different nations. He is particularly venerated by sailors and travelers—those whose lives involve the dangers of movement—because he has been given special grace to swiftly carry the prayers of the needy to the throne of God.Surely, there is no one among us who has not called upon St. Nicholas in their life. We often turn to him in times of sorrow, illness, or difficulties because we know how powerful his intercession is before the throne of God’s grace. While on earth, St. Nicholas devoted himself entirely to people and to the Church of Christ. He faithfully and truthfully fulfilled his ministry—whether as deacon, priest, or bishop—always providing an exemplary model of true Orthodox pastorship. He offered everything he had—his talents, strength, time, and even his life—to Christ, whom he loved with all his heart. His love for God became the source of his immense love for others. We know of many miracles recorded in his life. St. Nicholas extended his helping hand to those in distress, fervently prayed for the troubled, saved the innocent from unjust judgment and execution, and performed countless other acts for the benefit of his neighbor and to the glory of Christ’s name.
In the troparion, we call St. Nicholas ‘the rule of faith and the model of meekness.’ His faith is described as a ‘rule,’ meaning it is true and perfect both in doctrinal terms and in its manifestation through genuine, living deeds. His life, faith, meekness, and piety should serve as more than objects of admiration—they should guide our everyday lives. He was a good shepherd, simple and approachable. Anyone could come to him for comfort and to pray with him. At the same time, St. Nicholas was zealous and uncompromising in matters of Orthodox confession, though he always placed mercy at the forefront of his ministry. He remains in the hearts of people as a compassionate hierarch, one who performed good deeds, called forth God’s mercy on those who sought his help, and continues to intercede for us all before God in Heaven. He prays that we may have unshakable faith, follow Christ’s teachings rightly, and live as true children of the Holy Orthodox Church. May the doors of God’s mercy open to all who call upon the Lord’s name, to those who sincerely believe in Christ, and even to those who are just beginning their journey toward Him. May they come to know the true faith.”
From the sermon of Metropolitan Alexander.
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