Archpastoral Visit of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan to the Kostanay Diocese Concludes

October 13, 2025. The archpastoral visit of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan to the Kostanay Diocese has come to an end.

The hierarch’s journey to Northern Kazakhstan took place in conjunction with the celebration of the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Kostanay Diocese.

Metropolitan Alexander brought to the city of Kostanay a great Orthodox relic – a reliquary containing a portion of the holy remains of the Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon. Over 10,000 people venerated the relic during its stay.

During the visit, the Head of the Metropolitan District presided over festive divine services at the Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in the city of Tobyl, at the Cathedral of St. John the Theologian in the city of Rudny, and at the Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helen in the city of Kostanay. He also performed the minor consecration of the Protection of the Mother of God Church in the village of Asenkritovka in the Kostanay Region, visited the church under construction dedicated to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in the village of Vladimirovka, familiarized himself with the progress of restoration works at the Iveron‑Petropavlovsk Convent in the village of Oktyabrskoe, participated in the opening of the photo exhibition “The Kostanay Diocese – A New Chapter in History”, and consecrated a monument to Bishop Timon (Rusanov), the first archpastor of the Kostanay land.

Metropolitan Alexander also held meetings with the Akim (Governor) of the Kostanay Region, K.I. Aksakalov, and with the Akim of the city of Rudny, V.N. Ionenko. The Head of the Metropolitan District visited several churches and met with clergy and members of parish communities.

Later that same day, the hierarch departed for the city of Almaty.