The Patronal Feast of the Church of Saint Vladimir Prayerfully Celebrated in Almaty

On July 28, 2025 – the feast day of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Prince Vladimir – with the blessing of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, Bishop Gennady of Kaskelen, Chancellor of the Metropolis of Kazakhstan, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saint Vladimir in the city of Almaty, which was marking its patronal feast.

His Grace was concelebrated by: Igumen Nazary (Markov), rector of the Spaso-Siluano Hermitage in Issyk; Hieromonk Sergiy (Vnukovsky), sacristan of the Church of Saint Vladimir; Priest Roman Kravchenko; Priest Kirill Freigang, rector of the Church of Saint Nicholas in Talgar; and Hierodeacon Athanasius (Kozel).

The choir of the Church of Saint Vladimir, directed by G. Belitsky, sang the hymns of the Liturgy.

Praying during the service were the principal benefactor of the parish, Sergey V. Kiselev, General Director of Channel One Eurasia, and residents of the Baganashel district.

During the augmented litany, special petitions composed for the Feast of the Baptism of Rus’ were offered:

“With fear and trembling, as unworthy servants, we thank Thee, O Savior and Master, Lord, for Thy mercies, which Thou hast poured upon the land of Rus’ from its Baptism even until now. Falling down before Thee, we bring Thee praise as to our God, and we cry out with compunction: Deliver Thy people from every affliction, and ever, as Thou art merciful, fulfill our petitions for the good; we earnestly pray Thee, hearken and have mercy.

Again we pray to Thee, O Almighty Lord, look down and strengthen this vineyard which Thou hast planted, and protect it by Thy right hand from all the assaults of the enemy. Grant unto Thine inheritance peace and quiet in the days to come, that Holy Rus’ – which Thou hast chosen as Thy dwelling – may not be diminished or shaken, but that Thy Thrice-Holy Name may be glorified therein. Let us all say: O Lord, quickly hearken and mercifully have mercy.

Thou who gavest us Thy commandment to love Thee, our God, and our neighbor, make it so that hatred, enmity, injury, and every other iniquity cease; let true love reign in our hearts. We pray Thee, O our Savior, mercifully hearken and quickly have mercy.”

Following the Liturgy, glorification was offered to the Holy Prince Vladimir, after which a procession of the cross took place. At its conclusion, the bishop blessed the faithful with holy water.

Bishop Gennady congratulated the clergy and faithful on the patronal feast, as well as on the 10th anniversary of the founding of the Church of Saint Vladimir. He then delivered a word of spiritual instruction.

Upon the conclusion of the service, His Grace presented letters of gratitude to parishioners who had actively participated in the life of the community. A festive concert followed, organized by the teachers and pupils of the parish Sunday school.