Elena I. Milskaya, Head of the Archangel Michael Foundation, Receives High Award from the Metropolitan District of Kazakhstan

June 26, 2025 – Moscow. At the invitation of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, renowned Russian public figure and head of the Archangel Michael Foundation Elena I. Milskaya visited the Representation of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan at the Patriarchal Metochion of the Church of the Holy Martyrs Faith, Hope, Love, and their mother Sophia on Miusskaya Square.

A meeting between the hierarch and the head of the Archangel Michael Foundation was held in the administrative building of the Representation. Metropolitan Alexander shared with Elena I. Milskaya updates on the life of the Metropolitan District and informed her about the upcoming visit of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ to Kazakhstan, scheduled for September this year.

The Metropolitan spoke about the work of the Representation, noting that large-scale restoration efforts have been underway for three and a half years at the Church of Sophia on Miusskaya Square – a federal architectural and cultural heritage monument of the 19th century – with the support of benefactors. He also shared future plans for improving the church grounds and renovating buildings and utility structures.

A key topic of the meeting was the celebration of two commemorative anniversaries in the current year: the 70th anniversary of the repose of Confessor Nicholas (Mogilevsky), Metropolitan of Alma-Ata and Kazakhstan, and the 50th anniversary of the blessed repose of Confessor and spiritual father Metropolitan Joseph (Chernov) of Alma-Ata and Kazakhstan.

In recognition of her significant contribution to preserving the memory of Confessor Nicholas (Mogilevsky) and Elder-Saint Joseph (Chernov), Metropolitan Alexander awarded Elena I. Milskaya the Enbek Ushin (“For Labors”) Order. She received this high award of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan for her active participation in the creation of a memorial complex in Alma-Ata dedicated to Metropolitans Nicholas and Joseph. A historic house near the Iveron–Seraphim Monastery – where the saintly elders once lived, served the Liturgy, wrote sermons, and offered spiritual counsel – has been preserved. Clergy and faithful have safeguarded icons, liturgical items, vestments, books, and everyday objects used by the late hierarchs. These sacred relics – along with archival materials and photographs – will form the core of an extensive museum exhibit. Visitors to the memorial house will be able to experience the spirit of kindness and love that surrounded Metropolitans Nicholas and Joseph, to witness their humility and Gospel simplicity, and to sense their deep love for Christ’s Church.

While presenting the award, the Head of the Metropolitan District said in particular:

“Your Foundation, and you personally, have shown unwavering care for preserving the spiritual and historical memory of our people. Your love for Orthodoxy and reverence for the saints is evident in your concrete deeds and active efforts to strengthen traditional moral values and revive sacred sites. You have taken noble part in the creation of the memorial complex to Metropolitans Nicholas (Mogilevsky) and Joseph (Chernov) – saints and confessors whose names are known throughout the Orthodox world. Large numbers of pilgrims come to venerate the relics of Saint Nicholas and the tomb of Vladyka Joseph in Alma-Ata – from all across Kazakhstan, Russia, and beyond. Many attest to their miraculous help and intercession.”

Metropolitan Alexander presented the guest with flowers and wished her strength of soul and body, and God’s help in her work. He also wished the Archangel Michael Foundation growth and blessed success in its projects.

Elena I. Milskaya warmly thanked the Head of the Orthodox Church in Kazakhstan for the high honor and expressed her hope to take part in the opening of the memorial house of the beloved Kazakhstani saints in the near future.

After the award ceremony, a broad range of topics of mutual interest were discussed.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Metropolitan Alexander and Elena I. Milskaya exchanged well wishes. The Metropolitan presented his guest with his book “The History of Christianity in Central Asia.”