15 Years Since the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan Was Elevated to the Rank of Metropolitan

On July 28, 2025 – the commemoration day of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Great Prince Vladimir and the remembrance of the Baptism of Rus’ – 15 years have passed since the Head of the Metropolis of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Republic of Kazakhstan was elevated to the rank of Metropolitan.

This significant event took place in 2010, during the Divine Liturgy at the Dormition Kiev Caves Lavra, following the enactment of the decision of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, which defined the canonical and legal status of the Metropolis of Kazakhstan.

During the Lesser Entrance, in the presence of a multitude of hierarchs, representatives of Local Orthodox Churches, numerous clergy and faithful, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ placed the white klobuk – the symbol of metropolitan dignity – upon the head of Bishop Alexander.

For 15 years, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan has overseen the Metropolis of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Republic of Kazakhstan – the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan.

On this special day, the episcopate, clergy, monastics, and laity wish His Eminence Metropolitan Alexander God’s help in his selfless service for the good of Orthodoxy and the people of Kazakhstan. May the blessed and only Sovereign – the King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Tim. 6:15) – through the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, the prayers of the New Martyrs and Confessors of Kazakhstan, and all the saints, preserve our hierarch in good health for many and blessed years.