Kostanay Welcomes the Relics of the Great Martyr Panteleimon

On October 9, 2025, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, who is making an archpastoral visit to the Kostanay Diocese, arrived in the city of Kostanay. The Head of the Metropolitan District of Kazakhstan brought with him a reliquary containing the relics of the Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon.

The event was timed to coincide with a historic date — the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Kostanay Diocese.

At the airport, the hierarch and the accompanying delegation were welcomed by Hieromonk Gennady (Burdyuzha), Secretary of the Kostanay Diocese, and B.S. Bukeyev, Head of the Department for Religious Affairs of the Kostanay Region Akimat.

From the airport, the reliquary with the relics of the Great Martyr Panteleimon was transported to the Cathedral of the Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles Emperor Constantine and Empress Helen.

To the chanting of the troparion to the Passion-bearer of Christ, the holy relic was brought into the cathedral and placed at the center of the church. Metropolitan Alexander, concelebrated by diocesan clergy, then served a moleben (supplicatory prayer service).

At the conclusion of the service, His Eminence made the sign of the cross with the reliquary toward the four cardinal directions, blessing the faithful, the city, and its inhabitants. He then addressed those gathered with words of a homily.