Head of the Metropolitan District Celebrates the Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos at the Ascension Cathedral of Alma-Ata

May 23, 2026. Alma-Ata. Following the All-Night Vigil at the Ascension Cathedral, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan celebrated a prayer service with the reading of the Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos.

Concelebrating with the Head of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District were: dean of the parishes of the Southern Capital, Archpriest Valery Zakharov; the cathedral clergy; and rectors and clerics of the churches of Alma-Ata.

Praying during the service were: President of the Eleos-Meirim Public Foundation V.M. Kapsamun, staff of the Alma-Ata Diocesan Administration, and Orthodox faithful of the Southern Capital.

The kontakia and opening portions of the ikoi of the Akathist were read alternately by the hierarch and the concelebrating priests.

The hymns were performed by the men’s choir of the Alma-Ata Diocese.

Following the reading of the Akathist, the clergy and faithful sang the prayer “Under Thy Compassion” and the magnification to the Most Holy Theotokos, after which the Head of the Metropolitan District delivered a sermon on the veneration of the Mother of God.