Rector of the Kazan Church in the Village of Uzun-Agash, Archpriest Gennady Kadnikov, Awarded the Order of St. Sergius of Radonezh

August 22, 2026. Alma-Ata. In the Fireplace Hall of the St. Joseph (Chernov) Spiritual, Cultural and Administrative Center of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan congratulated Archpriest Gennady Kadnikov on two significant anniversaries – the 45th anniversary of his priestly ministry and his 75th birthday.

Taking part in the award ceremony were: O.N. Ovchinnikov, Secretary of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District, Honored Worker of Kazakhstan and Honored Art Worker of the Russian Federation; Archpriest Evgeny Ivanov, Rector of the Alma-Ata Orthodox Theological Seminary and Head of the Information and Publishing Department of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District; Hieromonk Prokhor (Endovitsky), Head of the Metropolitan’s Secretariat; and employees of the diocesan administration.

The Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan presented Father Gennady with the Order of St. Sergius of Radonezh, 2nd Class. His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ bestowed the high distinction upon Archpriest Gennady Kadnikov, Rector of the Kazan Church in the village of Uzun-Agash, for his diligent labors for the good of the Holy Church and in connection with the anniversaries being celebrated.

Presenting the Patriarchal award, Metropolitan Alexander noted, in particular:

“Through your gift of preaching and the example of your life, you kindle in people’s souls the saving fire of faith in Christ and serve as a spiritual father and mentor to your flock, ‘who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation’ (Isa. 52:7). Many clergymen of the Alma-Ata Diocese embarked upon the path of service to God and people thanks to your fervent prayers and tireless efforts. Upon my recommendation, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ has bestowed upon you the high distinction of the Order of St. Sergius of Radonezh. On this day of special celebration, I prayerfully wish you, dear Father Gennady, good health, peace and well-being. May the Life-Giving Lord, through the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos and the prayers of the New Martyrs and Confessors of Kazakhstan, renew your spiritual and physical strength, grant you vigor of spirit and His all-strengthening assistance in your further pastoral labors for the good of the Holy Church in the blessed land of Kazakhstan.”

The Metropolitan wished Father Gennady good health and God’s assistance in his continued labors for the good of the Holy Church and presented him with a bouquet of flowers.