Dean of the Churches of Almaty, Archpriest Valery Zakharov, Awarded the Right to Wear the Patriarchal Pectoral Cross

June 20, 2026. On the day of commemoration of the Righteous Paul of Taganrog, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Almaty.

This year, the Dean of the churches of the Southern Capital and Rector of St. Nicholas Cathedral, Mitred Archpriest Valery Zakharov, marks the 75th anniversary of his birth.

Upon the recommendation of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’, in recognition of Archpriest Valery Zakharov’s many years of diligent service for the benefit of the Holy Church and in connection with this milestone anniversary, awarded him the high ecclesiastical distinction of the right to wear the Patriarchal Pectoral Cross.

At the Little Entrance, Metropolitan Alexander, in fulfillment of the decree of His Holiness, vested the Dean with the Patriarchal Pectoral Cross.

Congratulating Archpriest Valery on receiving this high Patriarchal distinction, the Head of the Metropolitan District said in particular:

“More than half a century ago, you were called to pastoral labors in the vineyard of Christ. From the hands of the outstanding hierarch of the twentieth century, the ever-memorable Metropolitan Pitirim (Nechayev), you received holy orders and became a servant of ‘the living and true God’ (1 Thess. 1:9). Responding to God’s call, you devoted your life to the Holy Church, which at that difficult time carried out its saving mission under various restrictions and administrative control imposed by the state.

The Lord granted you spiritual and physical strength, courage and wisdom, patience and steadfastness, enabling you to endure the hardships and trials of those years. It is gratifying to note that today, as before, in every circumstance you strive to be an example of spiritual steadfastness, devotion to God, and faithfulness to your calling. You continue to labor without negligence so that ‘the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored’ (2 Thess. 3:1).

Your many years of service have been recognized by high ecclesiastical and state awards and distinctions. His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’, in recognition of your diligent labors for the benefit of the Holy Church, has awarded you the right to wear the Patriarchal Pectoral Cross.”

The Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan warmly congratulated Father Valery on the feast day of his heavenly patron and wished him the Lord’s mercy, strength of soul and body, many years of life, and God’s help in his labors for the good of Christ’s Holy Church.