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

June 26, 2026. Almaty. Following the conclusion of the evening service at the Ascension Cathedral, and with the blessing of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, Bishop Veniamin of Talgar, Vicar of the Astana Diocese, presided over a Prayer Service with the chanting of the Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos.

Concelebrating with His Grace were: Archpriest Valery Zakharov, Dean of the Parishes of the Southern Capital; the cathedral clergy; and rectors and clerics of the Almaty churches.

Praying at the service were members of the Almaty Diocesan Administration and Orthodox faithful of the Southern Capital.

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

The hymns were sung by the Men’s Choir of the Almaty Diocese.

Following the reading of the Akathist, the clergy and faithful sang the prayer “Beneath Thy Compassion” and the magnification to the Most Holy Theotokos, after which the bishop delivered a homily of spiritual instruction.