On the Eve of the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, Metropolitan Alexander Celebrates the All-Night Vigil at the Main Cathedral of Alma-Ata

On the evening of August 18, 2026, on the eve of the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan celebrated the All-Night Vigil at the Ascension Cathedral in the city of Alma-Ata.

During the divine service at the main cathedral of the Southern Capital, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan was concelebrated by Archimandrite Ioann (Sazonov), Spiritual Father of the Alma-Ata Diocese, and the cathedral clergy.

The liturgical hymns were performed by the choir of the Metropolitan District (Choirmaster – O.N. Ovchinnikov, Honored Art Worker of Russia; Assistant Choirmaster – V. Dudareva) and the choir of the Ascension Cathedral (Choirmaster – E. Boguslavets).

At Great Vespers, in accordance with the Church Typikon, the Litia (fervent supplication) was celebrated with the blessing of bread, wine, wheat, and oil.

At Matins, following the reading of the appointed Gospel passage, Metropolitan Alexander addressed the faithful with a sermon in which he spoke about the spiritual meaning and significance of the Transfiguration of the Savior for Orthodox Christians.

During the chanting of the Canon of the Transfiguration, the faithful were anointed with the blessed oil.

On the feast day itself, the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at the Ascension Cathedral of the Southern Capital. The service will begin at 7:00 a.m.