Secretary of the Kostanay Diocese performed the Lesser Blessing of Water and celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Seraphim Church in the village of Karabalyk

August 3, 2025 – on the 8th Sunday after Pentecost, the Secretary of the Kostanay Diocese, Hieromonk Gennady (Burdyuzha), celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Venerable Seraphim of Sarov in the village of Karabalyk.

Before the beginning of the service, with the blessing of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, Father Gennady performed the rite of the Lesser Blessing of Water at the Seraphim Church, following its complete renovation.

Concelebrating with the diocesan secretary were: the newly appointed rector of the Seraphim Church, Protopriest Georgy Levintsa, and the dean of the Kostanay church district, Priest Andrey Krutin.

Orthodox residents of the village of Karabalyk, pilgrims, and benefactors of the church prayed during the service.

The choir of the Constantine and Helen Cathedral sang under the direction of choir director E. Yakusheva.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, a procession with the cross (krestny khod) was held around the church.

After the service, Father Secretary congratulated the clergy and parishioners on this significant historical event in the spiritual life of the village of Karabalyk.

With the blessing of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, Hieromonk Gennady presented awards of the Kazakh Metropolitan District to the benefactors of the Seraphim Church.

The celebration concluded with a communal meal.