On the Eve of the Feast of the Holy Preeminent Apostles Peter and Paul, Metropolitan Alexander Led the All-Night Vigil in Almaty’s Main Cathedral

On July 11, 2025, on the eve of the feast of the holy, glorious, and all-praised preeminent apostles Peter and Paul, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan celebrated the All-Night Vigil at the Ascension Cathedral in the city of Almaty.

His Eminence was concelebrated by: the spiritual father of the Almaty diocese Archimandrite Ioann (Sazonov); the sacristan of the Ascension Cathedral in Almaty and head of the diocesan department for public relations, Protopriest Alexander Suvorov; the rector of the Almaty Orthodox Theological Seminary and head of the Information Department of the Metropolis, Protopriest Evgeny Ivanov; and the clergy of the cathedral.

The hymns were sung by the choir of the Ascension Cathedral (choir director – V. Dudareva).

In accordance with the liturgical Typikon, a litia (intensified supplication) was performed at Great Vespers, including the blessing of bread, wine, wheat, and oil.

At Matins, during the singing of the polyeleos, a reliquary containing the relics of Christ’s apostles was brought out from the altar to the center of the cathedral.

After the reading of the Gospel passage, the Head of the Metropolis congratulated the clergy and faithful on the approaching feast and delivered a homily. During the singing of the canon, the faithful were anointed with blessed oil.

On the feast day of the holy, glorious, and all-praised preeminent apostles Peter and Paul, Metropolitan Alexander will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in the city of Almaty.