Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan Arrives in Kokshetau for the Burial of Archbishop Serapion (Kolosnitsyn)

On January 31, 2025, the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, arrived in the city of Kokshetau.

By decree of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia (No. U-01/4 dated January 28, 2025), Metropolitan Alexander was entrusted with the temporary administration of the Kokshetau Diocese following the passing of Archbishop Serapion of Kokshetau and Akmola.

With the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, Metropolitan Alexander will lead the funeral rite for the newly departed Archbishop Serapion (Kolosnitsyn), which will take place the following day, Saturday, at the Resurrection Cathedral.

Participating in the funeral service and burial of the late hierarch will be: Archbishop Sebastian of Karaganda and Shakhtinsk, Vicar of the Astana Diocese Bishop Klavdian of Taldykorgan, Bishop Khrysanph of Chimkent and Turkestan, Vicar of the Astana Diocese Bishop Veniamin of Talgar, as well as the clergy of the Kokshetau and Astana Dioceses.

Archbishop Serapion (Kolosnitsyn) will be buried at the altar of the Archangel Michael Church in Kokshetau.

The funeral Divine Liturgy will begin at 9:00 AM, followed by the funeral rite.