Birthday Greeting to Metropolitan Alexander from the Alma-Ata Orthodox Theological Seminary

May 18, 2026 – the birthday of the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, permanent member of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church and professor of the Alma-Ata Orthodox Theological Seminary.

His Eminence is congratulated on this festive occasion by the rector, administration, faculty, and students of the Alma-Ata Orthodox Theological Seminary:

Your Eminence, Most Reverend Vladyka!

CHRIST IS RISEN!

In this grace-filled Paschal season, when Heaven and earth, angels and people rejoice in the Resurrection of Christ, you celebrate your birthday. The Lord, “Who enlightens every man coming into the world” (John 1:9), brought you into the universe He created and revealed to you the beauty and greatness of His creation.

Reflecting upon the course of your life, one is reminded of the words of the Psalmist: “Thy judgments are a great deep” (Ps. 35:7). From your youth you dedicated yourself wholly to the service of the Lord and His people. Your life, your labors, your sermons and teachings bear witness to you as an untiring laborer in the Church, a purposeful and wise man, selflessly devoted to the Church of Christ, kind and merciful toward your neighbor.

You never cease to proclaim to those near and far “the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested unto us” (1 John 1:2). Trusting in the mercy of Christ the Chief Shepherd and the intercession of the Queen of Heaven, year after year you bear the difficult archpastoral cross with gratitude to the Creator.

On this special day for you, we would like to express our words of appreciation and filial gratitude for your constant care and active concern for the Alma-Ata Theological Seminary founded by you. All who labor and study in this higher theological school offer prayers to the Lord for the granting of health, salvation, and every good success to you.

Please accept our sincere wishes for strength of soul and body, abundant divine assistance, and success in the lofty and responsible archpastoral ministry that you carry out.

Εἰς πολλὰ ἔτη, δέσποτα!

(Many years, Master!)

TRULY CHRIST IS RISEN, LIVES, AND REIGNS FOREVER!