Metropolitan Alexander Visits the Most Remote Parish of the Almaty Diocese on the Border with China – The Church of the Holy Prophet Elijah in Zharkent

January 21, 2026. City of Zharkent, Zhetysu Region. Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan visited the most remote parish of the Almaty Diocese, located on the border with China – the church dedicated to the Holy Prophet Elijah.

The head of the Metropolitan District was accompanied by: the Secretary of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, choir director of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District, and member of the Patriarchal Council for the Development of Russian Church Singing O.N. Ovchinnikov; Rector of the Almaty Theological Seminary, Head of the Information and Publishing Department of the Metropolitan District, Candidate of Theology, Archpriest Evgeny Ivanov; the Metropolitan’s assistant P.V. Sokolov; and benefactors of the Almaty Diocese.

His Eminence the Metropolitan and his entourage were welcomed by the rector of the Church of the Prophet Elijah, Priest Dimitry Kaplin, along with the Orthodox faithful of the city of Zharkent.

Upon arrival, His Eminence, together with the clergy, served a moleben to the Holy Hieromartyr Basil of Zharkent.

The hierarch offered fervent prayers for the archpastors, pastors, monastics, and laity of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District, for peace and well-being in the land of Kazakhstan, and for the President, authorities, armed forces, and people of the Republic.

At the conclusion of the moleben, Metropolitan Alexander sprinkled the faithful with holy water and then engaged in conversation with the active members of the parish.

The archpastor, accompanied by the rector, examined the church building, the surrounding grounds, and the parish facilities. Priest Dimitry spoke to the esteemed guests about the history and present life of the parish.

At the conclusion of the visit, the head of the Metropolitan District bestowed his blessing upon the rector and the faithful, and wished them God’s help in their labors for the benefit of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan.