Reading of the Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos at the Ascension Cathedral of the Southern Capital

June 5, 2026. Alma-Ata. Following the evening service at the Ascension Cathedral, Bishop Benjamin of Talgar, Vicar of the Astana Diocese, presided over a prayer service with the reading of the Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos.

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

Praying during the service were staff members of the Alma-Ata Diocesan Administration and Orthodox residents of the Southern Capital.

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

The hymns were sung by the male choir of the Alma-Ata Diocese.

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