His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ Awards Protodeacon Nikolay Grinkevich the Order of Venerable Sergius of Radonezh

16 November 2025. Almaty. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy in the Ascension Cathedral, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan congratulated Protodeacon Nikolay Grinkevich on a significant date – his upcoming 60th birthday.

The Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan presented Father Nikolay with the Order of Venerable Sergius of Radonezh, Third Class. His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ bestowed this high distinction upon the protodeacon in recognition of his labors for the benefit of the Holy Church and in connection with his 60th birthday.

Presenting the high patriarchal award, Metropolitan Alexander noted, in particular:

“For more than three decades you have labored with zeal in the vineyard of Christ, dedicating all your strength and God-given talents to bearing witness to the truth and spiritual beauty of Holy Orthodoxy. You make a considerable contribution to the development of the finest traditions of protodeaconal liturgical chant. Through your reverent attitude toward worship, your outstanding musical gift, responsiveness and kindness, you have earned the well-deserved love and respect not only of the clergy and laity, but also of many secular people.

I wish to especially thank you for your contribution to the celebration of Metropolitan District services, for your ability to create an atmosphere of festal solemnity and to attune the hearts of the faithful to prayerful fervor toward God. I lift up prayers to the new martyrs and confessors of Christ who shone forth on the land of Kazakhstan, asking for your well-being. May the All-Merciful Lord grant you strength of soul and body and His gracious help in continuing your labors for the benefit of the Holy Church on the blessed land of Kazakhstan.”

The Metropolitan wished Father Nikolay health, long life and God’s help in his further service to the Holy Church, and presented him with a holy prosphora and a bouquet of flowers.