The Head of the Metropolitan District and Archbishop Barsanuphius of Kokshetau and Akmola Celebrated a Memorial Litiya for the Ever-Memorable Archbishop Serapion (Kolosnitsyn)

April 8, 2025 – Kokshetau. Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, Archbishop Barsanuphius of Kokshetau and Akmola, and Bishop Benjamin of Talgar, Vicar of the Astana Diocese, celebrated a memorial litiya at the burial site of the ever-memorable Archbishop Serapion (Kolosnitsyn), who headed the Kokshetau Diocese from 2013 to 2025.

The late archpastor is buried near the altar of the historic Church of the Archangel Michael in the city.

Diocesan administration staff, clergy, and faithful gathered to honor the memory of the hierarch.

Flowers were laid at the grave of Archbishop Serapion (Kolosnitsyn) by those who joined the communal memorial prayer.

After the litiya, the Head of the Metropolitan District and the archpastors venerated the sacred objects of the Church of the Archangel Michael. His Eminence Metropolitan Alexander introduced the newly appointed Archbishop Barsanuphius to the clergy and members of the parish council.

Later the same day, Metropolitan Alexander and Archbishop Barsanuphius visited the main church of the diocese – the Resurrection Cathedral. The Head of the Orthodox Church in Kazakhstan shared with the newly arrived archpastor of Kokshetau the history of the cathedral’s founding, architectural features, and interior layout. In the parish house, the hierarchs held a meeting with the clergy and staff of the cathedral.