Head of the Metropolitan District Meets with Participants of the International Festival of Orthodox Choral Music “Paschal Song”

May 16, 2026. Alma-Ata. At St. Sophia Cathedral of the Iveron-Seraphim Women’s Monastery, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan met with the initiators, organizers, and participants of the International Festival of Orthodox Choral Music “Paschal Song.”

Present at the meeting were: O.N. Ovchinnikov, Secretary of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, conductor of the Choir of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District, and member of the Patriarchal Council for the Development of Russian Church Singing; V.M. Kapsamun, president of the public foundation “Eleos-Meirim”; Archpriest Evgeny Ivanov, rector of the Alma-Ata Orthodox Theological Seminary; Hieromonk Prokhor (Endovitsky), head of the Metropolitan’s personal secretariat; Priest Georgy Sidorov, head of the administrative secretariat of the Head of the Metropolitan District; Protodeacon Roman Golovin, head of the Metropolitan protocol service; and L.E. Goricheva, head of the Department of Culture of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District and Honored Cultural Worker of the Russian Federation.

Also participating in the gathering were: A.A. Puzakov, artistic director and chief conductor of the Moscow Synodal Choir and Honored Artist of Russia; V.A. Volkova, Executive Secretary of the Church-Public Council under the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’ for the Development of Russian Church Singing and conductor of the “Artos” Choir of the Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh in Solntsevo, Moscow; and A.K. Maiorov, senior conductor of the Epiphany Cathedral in Yelokhovo, Moscow.

Metropolitan Alexander warmly welcomed those assembled and expressed words of gratitude for their active participation in the nationwide musical forum. The Head of the Metropolitan District shared his impressions of the festival:

“First of all, I would like to note the high level at which this forum has been organized, bringing together outstanding figures of Orthodox musical art. I am confident that ‘Paschal Song’ will serve the unity of people of different nationalities and languages, cultures and traditions, ages and views, in a common desire to bear witness to enduring spiritual values through the beautiful and universal language of music. Possessing a powerful influence upon the human soul, art is capable of elevating and ennobling it. We have all witnessed that both adult and young performers of works from the world’s musical heritage dedicate their creativity to this noble purpose. I wish that the fruitful unity of ecclesiastical and secular art achieved by the founders and organizers of the festival may become a firm foundation for the further harmonious development of this remarkable tradition, which serves as a creative reflection of the Paschal celebration.”

The hierarch presented all participating ensembles with laureate diplomas, while organizers received letters of appreciation. According to the festival’s coordinators, every participant deserved high praise, both for artistic mastery and for the ability to convey to listeners the essence of each composition, communicating its character and mood. It was noted that both choir conductors and singers fulfill their ministry with fervor of heart, thanks to which the music resounds with a special inspiration that is transmitted to the audience.

On behalf of the award recipients, L.E. Goricheva, head of the Department of Culture of the Metropolitan District, addressed the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan with words of gratitude.

Later, in the fireplace hall of the Spiritual, Cultural, and Administrative Center of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District named after Metropolitan Joseph (Chernov), invited guest participants of the international Paschal festival were presented with high distinctions of the Metropolitan District.

In recognition of their labors in the revival and strengthening of church singing traditions, the Metropolitan awarded:

– A.A. Puzakov, artistic director and chief conductor of the Moscow Synodal Choir and Honored Artist of Russia – the Order of St. Sophronius (Sokolsky);

– V.A. Volkova, Executive Secretary of the Church-Public Council under the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’ for the Development of Russian Church Singing and conductor of the “Artos” Choir of the Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh in Solntsevo, Moscow, and A.K. Maiorov, senior conductor of the Epiphany Cathedral in Yelokhovo, Moscow – the Order “Enbek Ushin” (“For Labor”).

The hierarch wished the musicians spiritual and physical strength, peace, success in the field of spiritual and moral enlightenment of society, and many years of fruitful professional service.

On the same day, O.N. Ovchinnikov, A.A. Puzakov, V.A. Volkova, and A.K. Maiorov held a working meeting with choir directors and conducted master classes for delegates of the “Paschal Song” forum.