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

June 12, 2026. Alma-Ata. Following the evening service at the Ascension Cathedral, Bishop Klavdian of Taldykorgan, 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: Dean of the parishes of the Southern Capital Archpriest Valery Zakharov; the cathedral clergy; rectors and clergy of Alma-Ata churches.

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

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

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

Following the reading of the Akathist, clergy and faithful together sang the prayer “Under Thy Compassion” (Pod Tvoyu Milost’) and the magnification (velichanie) to the Most Holy Theotokos, after which the hierarch delivered a sermon on the veneration of the Mother of God.