On January 6, 2026, on the eve of the Feast of the Nativity of Christ, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan celebrated the All-Night Vigil at the Ascension Cathedral of the city of Almaty.
Concelebrating with the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan were the spiritual father of the Almaty Diocese, Archimandrite Ioann (Sazonov), and the cathedral clergy.
According to the Church Typikon, the vigil on the eve of the Nativity begins with Great Compline, during which the solemn hymn of the Prophet Isaiah is sung: «God is with us; understand, O nations, and submit yourselves, for God is with us!» The frequent repetition of the words «God is with us!» expresses the spiritual joy of the faithful at the coming into the world of the Savior Emmanuel, foretold by the prophets.
Compline concluded with the Litia (an intensified supplication) and the blessing of bread, wine, wheat, and oil.
At Matins, after the reading of the Gospel passage from Matthew recounting the birth of the Divine Infant Christ from the Ever-Virgin Mary, the Head of the Metropolitan District addressed those present with an archpastoral sermon.
At the Nativity Matins, the Canon of the Nativity of Christ was sung: «Christ is born – glorify Him! Christ comes from heaven – meet Him!» In the festal hymns of the All-Night Vigil, the angelic doxologies of the Nativity are frequently repeated: «Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill among men!»
During the reading of the Canon, Metropolitan Alexander anointed the faithful who venerated the icon of the feast with blessed oil.
After the conclusion of the divine service, the choir of the Metropolitan District, under the direction of Honored Artist of Russia O.N. Ovchinnikov, performed one of the most well-known Christmas songs in the world – «Silent Night over Palestine».
«Through the birth of the Divine Infant, humanity was granted not fleeting happiness of this world nor the pleasures of vain entertainments, but a true and great joy: from now on we are children of God (Rom. 8:16). How profound and meaningful are the promises of the Lord addressed to those who love Him: “I will not leave you orphans” (John 14:18), “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). Truly, from now and forever – God is with us! Celebrating the Nativity of Christ, we renew in our minds and hearts the Gospel proclamation that the Son of God became true Man, so that people might once again regain the dignity of the children of God, lost through the fall, and receive hope on earth and unending blessed communion with God in the heavens. Glorifying the newborn Divine Infant with psalms and hymns, we bear witness that no person in the world is forgotten or abandoned by God, for He has come Who took upon Himself our infirmities and bore our sicknesses (Isa. 53:4), Who will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain (Rev. 21:4). The entire earthly life of the Savior became a manifestation of love and mercy toward human suffering, compassion for daily burdens and needs. The bright and joyful feast of the Lord’s manifestation in the world is a reminder to us of the necessity to burn with love for the Creator and for our neighbor and to warm this world, at least in that small part where God has appointed for us to pass our earthly life».
From the Nativity homily of Metropolitan Alexander.
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