Archbishop Sebastian Awarded the Order of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan

April 19, 2026. Karaganda. Following the Sunday Divine Liturgy at the Trinity–Sebastian Cathedral, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan congratulated Archbishop Sebastian of Karaganda and Shakhtinsk on his name day and the 15th anniversary of his episcopal consecration.

The Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan presented the ruling bishop of the Karaganda Diocese with the Order “Yntaly Kyzmet Ushin” (For Zealous Service). Metropolitan Alexander bestowed upon Vladyka Sebastian this high award of the Metropolitan District in recognition of his zealous archpastoral labors and in connection with the commemorated dates.

While presenting the award of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District, Metropolitan Alexander, in particular, noted: “Fifteen years ago, by the will of the sacred hierarchy of the Russian Orthodox Church, you were called to the high archpastoral ministry in the newly established Karaganda Diocese. Carrying out apostolic labors, you care for the proper development of all aspects of church life in the portion entrusted to your guidance, leading people to Christ, ‘Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth’ (1 Timothy 2:4). On this special day for you, I prayerfully wish you health, strength, and ‘peace and joy in the Holy Spirit’ (Romans 14:17). I offer prayers to the new martyrs and confessors of Christ who shone forth in the land of Kazakhstan for your health and well-being. May the All-Merciful Lord grant you strength of soul and body and His gracious help in your continued archpastoral labors for the good of the Holy Church.”

Metropolitan Alexander wished Archbishop Sebastian health, long life, and God’s help in his continued archpastoral ministry for the good of the Holy Church in the “Miners’ Capital,” and presented him with a commemorative panagia, a blessed prosphora, and a bouquet of flowers.