Patriarchal congratulations to Archbishop Barsanuphius of Kokshetau and Akmola on the occasion of his 65th birthday

19 March 2026. His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ congratulated Archbishop Barsanuphius of Kokshetau and Akmola on the occasion of his 65th birthday:

Your Eminence!

I cordially congratulate you on this significant personal date – your 65th birthday.

Having heeded the words of the Savior that the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few (Luke 10:2), you resolved to serve Him with fear and trembling (Ps. 2:11), clothed yourself in priestly vestments and set about fulfilling various obediences.

You have labored much for the benefit of your native Donetsk land, and your efforts found favor in the sight of the Creator, who subsequently numbered you among the successors of the Apostles.

By a recent decision of the Holy Synod, you have been entrusted with the governance of the Kokshetau diocese. I hope that through your efforts, parish life and various areas of church activity will develop dynamically in this portion of God’s vineyard.

I prayerfully wish you spiritual and bodily strength, vigor of spirit, and the abundant help of the Lord Almighty in your archpastoral labors.

With love in Christ,

+KIRILL, PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUS’