Archbishop Vladimir of Petropavlovsk consecrated the chapel in honor of Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene and the educational center named after Bishop Veniamin (Ivanov)

Festive events took place in the Petropavlovsk Diocese on 26 July 2025 in commemoration of the 157th anniversary of the birth of the heavenly patron of Northern Kazakhstan – the Holy Hieromartyr Mephody of Petropavlovsk.

As part of the celebration of this memorable date, Archbishop Vladimir of Petropavlovsk and Bulaevo celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the Church of Saint Mephody in the city of Petropavlovsk.

Concelebrating with His Eminence were: Secretary of the Diocesan Administration Protopriest Sergy Pervushin, Secretary of the Kostanay Diocese Hieromonk Gennady (Burdyuzha), deanery heads, rectors and clergy of the Petropavlovsk Diocese.

Upon completion of the service, the faithful, led by the hierarch, proceeded in a cross procession to the church square, where the chapel in honor of Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene and the newly built educational center named after Bishop Veniamin (Ivanov) of Petropavlovsk were consecrated.

Following the rite of consecration, the church’s sacristan Priest Mikhail Berezin gave a tour to Archbishop Vladimir and the guests.

The ruling bishop of the Petropavlovsk Diocese congratulated the clergy and parishioners on the consecration of the chapel and the beginning of the educational center’s operation.

Concluding the official part of the opening ceremony, Priest Mikhail Berezin expressed gratitude to His Eminence Vladimir for consecrating the chapel and the newly constructed building.

His Eminence extended congratulations to those gathered on the feast day of the heavenly patron of Northern Kazakhstan and warmly thanked all who had labored in the construction of the chapel and the establishment of the educational center in honor of Bishop Veniamin (Ivanov) of Petropavlovsk.

After the Divine Liturgy, a traditional creative festival of Sunday School students of the diocese – A Servant of the Holy Faith – was held, dedicated to Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir.