Metropolitan Alexander Celebrated a Prayer Service Before the Beginning of Entrance Examinations at the Almaty Theological Seminary

August 25–26, 2025. Entrance examinations began at the Almaty Theological Seminary for applicants to the full-time and part-time programs in the theological-pastoral, choir-conducting, and catechetical specializations.

Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan met with the applicants to the seminary and celebrated a prayer service before the beginning of every good work in the Alexander Nevsky Chapel of the spiritual and cultural center of the Kazakhstan Metropolis, named in honor of Metropolitan Joseph (Chernov).

Praying at the service were: Vicar of the Astana Diocese Bishop Klavdian of Taldykorgan; Dean of the Almaty churches Protopriest Valery Zakharov; Rector of the Almaty Seminary Protopriest Evgeny Ivanov; Vice-Rector for Educational Work Priest Ioann Livinsky; Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Priest Petr Bakhtiyarov; Vice-Rector for Research, Candidate of Philosophical Sciences A.P. Solovyov; Head of the Biblical-Theological Department, Candidate of Theology Priest Oleg Lisin; Head of the Church History Department Protopriest Alexander Gaychenya; Head of the Practical Theology Department Deacon Vladislav Pashkov; Head of the Correspondence Department Priest Daniil Bobylev; Seminary Inspector Priest Evgeny Bessonov; Head of the Seminary Office Priest Alexander Shishlov; Head of the Administrative Secretariat of the Head of the Metropolis Priest Georgy Sidorov; Head of the Metropolitan’s Protocol Service Protodeacon Roman Golovin; Head of the Choir Conducting Department and Choirmaster of the Metropolis Choir V.V. Dudareva; as well as the seminary’s faculty and students.

At the conclusion of the prayer service, Metropolitan Alexander imparted his archpastoral blessing to all and addressed the faculty, students, and future seminarians with words of guidance.

“This year our theological school marks its 15th anniversary since its foundation. This anniversary makes all of us reflect on the path we have traveled and determine the direction for the future existence and development of theological education. Being today the only institution of higher theological education of the Orthodox Church in Kazakhstan, the Almaty Seminary must actively form its educational and spiritual traditions, prepare diligent laborers in the Lord’s harvest field, capable of responding to the challenges of modernity, carrying out educational work, and finding a common language with people of different generations, convictions, and nationalities.

A great responsibility rests both on the teachers and the students, since in the future they are called to become ‘laborers for the harvest’ (Lk. 10:2), continuers of apostolic ministry. Addressing students and applicants, I wish to remind you that you came into these blessed walls at the call of the Savior, obeying His voice, once sounded in your hearts. Never forget the true purpose of your stay in the seminary, for you have entered not only to acquire a collection of knowledge, but to prepare yourselves entirely for the ministry which, in the words of St. John Chrysostom, surpasses even the ministry of the angels.

On this special day, I lift up fervent prayers for those in authority, for the teachers and the students, and, of course, for our applicants. I sincerely wish all of you bodily and spiritual strength, wisdom and patience, the generous help of the Lord, and success in your upcoming labors in the field of theological education.”