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

July 10, 2026. Almaty. During Matins at the Ascension Cathedral, Bishop Claudian of Taldykorgan, Vicar of the Astana Diocese, presided over the Prayer Service with the chanting of the Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos.

Concelebrating with His Grace were: the dean of the principal church of the Southern Capital and head of the Metropolitan District’s Department for Public Relations, Archpriest Alexander Suvorov, together with clergy of the Almaty Diocese.

Praying during the service were employees of the Almaty Diocesan Administration and Orthodox faithful of the Southern Capital.

The kontakia and opening verses 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 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 on the veneration of the Mother of God.