Commemoration in Almaty of All the Innocent Victims of the Persecutions Against Orthodoxy

7 November 2025 – a day of mourning and remembrance for all who suffered under the godless regime in the 20th century – marks the anniversary of the October revolutionary coup of 1917, which claimed the lives of millions and began an era of persecution against the Church of Christ in the lands of the former Russian Empire.

With the blessing of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, the Vicar of the Astana Diocese, Bishop Klavdian of Taldykorgan, celebrated a memorial service for all those «innocently tortured and slain during the years of godless persecution, who perished from hunger, cold, wounds, illness, and hard labor» in the Cathedral of the Holy Wisdom at the Iveron–Seraphim Convent in Almaty.

The archpastor prayerfully commemorated the victims of the historical tragedies endured by our country in the 20th century.

His Grace was concelebrated by: Dean of the parishes of the Southern Capital and Rector of St. Nicholas Cathedral, Archpriest Valery Zakharov; Spiritual Father of the Almaty Diocese, Archimandrite Ioann (Sazonov); Rector of the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God «Joy of All Who Sorrow» in Almaty, Archpriest Evgeny Vorobyov; Keykeeper of the Nativity of Christ Cathedral, Archpriest Alexander Gaichenya; Rector of the Epiphany Church, Archpriest Valery Shavrin; Rector of the Church of St. Paraskeva, Archpriest Ioann Lopatin; Keykeeper of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul Church, Archpriest Kirill Shklyar; and other rectors and clergy of Almaty churches.

Praying at the service were staff of the Almaty Diocesan Administration and parishioners of the churches of the Southern Capital.

The hymns were performed by the men’s choir of the Almaty Diocese under the direction of Deacon Alexander Piven.

At the conclusion of the memorial service, the clergy and faithful sang Eternal Memory to all the innocent victims of the years of godless persecution, after which Bishop Klavdian addressed those gathered with a sermon.