Head of the Foundation of the Archangel Michael E.I. Milskaya Awarded a High Distinction of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan

May 27, 2026. Moscow. A meeting took place at the Representation of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan at the Patriarchal Metochion of the Church of the Holy Martyrs Faith, Hope, Love, and Sophia at Miusy between Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan and the well-known Russian public figure, Head of the Foundation of the Archangel Michael, Elena Igorevna Milskaya.

The Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan informed Elena Igorevna about a significant event in the spiritual and cultural life of the Metropolitan District – the opening of a house-museum dedicated to the confessor of faith and piety, Metropolitan Joseph (Chernov) of Alma-Ata and Kazakhstan.

Addressing his interlocutor, Metropolitan Alexander remarked in particular: “With the support of benefactors and, of course, thanks to your kind participation, the historic building of the Alma-Ata Diocesan Administration has been restored. For fifteen years – from 1960 to 1975 – this house served as the working residence of Metropolitan Joseph (Chernov), a courageous confessor of the faith and ascetic of piety. Interest in the life of Vladyka Joseph is a testimony to our profound respect for the course of national history and for the history of our Mother Church.”

“The unique exhibits, gathered through the diligence of those devoted to the ever-memorable hierarch, will help museum visitors enter into the atmosphere of genuine kindness and love for humanity that surrounded Vladyka Joseph, to perceive his personal humility and simplicity, and to witness his ardent love for God and neighbor. A visit to the memorial house of Metropolitan Joseph (Chernov) is far more than merely an acquaintance with the history of the Church during the tragic years of the twentieth century. Here, within these walls, a sacred encounter with the ever-memorable righteous one, clairvoyant, and wonderworker will take place. Everyone who crosses this threshold will be given the opportunity to commune prayerfully with the elder-hierarch and to experience his spiritual support and help,” said the Head of the Metropolitan District.

In recognition of her significant contribution to preserving the memory of Metropolitan Joseph (Chernov) and for her labors in establishing the house-museum of the revered hierarch in Alma-Ata, Metropolitan Alexander presented E.I. Milskaya with the Order For Merits before the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan.

Presenting the high ecclesiastical award, the Head of the Metropolitan District said: “The foundation under your leadership, and you personally, dear Elena Igorevna, demonstrate unwavering concern for preserving the spiritual and historical memory of the people. Your love for Orthodoxy and veneration of the saints of God are manifested in concrete deeds and active labors aimed at strengthening traditional moral values in society and reviving holy places. You took noble part in the creation of the memorial house of the hierarch and confessor Metropolitan Joseph (Chernov). The name of this saint of God – a sufferer for the faith of Christ, wonderworker, man of prayer, and spiritual enlightener of the land of Kazakhstan – is known throughout the Orthodox world. A great number of pilgrims from various regions of Kazakhstan, Russia, and countries both near and far abroad come to Alma-Ata to venerate the tomb of Vladyka Joseph. There exists considerable testimony to his miraculous help and intercession.”

Vladyka Metropolitan informed his guest that regular tours are held at the museum, with students of the Alma-Ata Orthodox Theological Seminary serving as guides. “The museum’s collections were formed over more than ten years. Glory to God, there were people who came forward and responded – those who had known Metropolitan Joseph personally: the spiritual children of the hierarch, staff of the Alma-Ata Diocesan Administration, clergy from Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, as well as their relatives. Now, thanks to the serious work that has been carried out, visitors to the house-museum will be able to see liturgical vestments and personal belongings of the confessor of the faith, church vessels and antique books, diary notes and akathists handwritten by the hierarch himself, rare photographs and documents. The atmosphere of the era is conveyed by the restored study of the hierarch, which served simultaneously as his office and prayer cell,” the hierarch explained.

Metropolitan Alexander presented flowers to the guest, wishing her strength of soul and body and God’s help in her labors, and wished the Foundation of the Archangel Michael continued growth and blessed success in the realization of its projects.

E.I. Milskaya warmly thanked the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan for the high award and expressed hope that she would soon be able to visit the house-museum of the ever-memorable Kazakh hierarch.

Following the award presentation, a broad range of issues of mutual interest was discussed. Among the topics of conversation was work on the opening in Alma-Ata of a museum dedicated to the hieroconfessor Metropolitan Nicholas (Mogilevsky).

At the conclusion of the meeting, Metropolitan Alexander and E.I. Milskaya exchanged good wishes.