Metropolitan Alexander Congratulates Protodeacon Nikolai Grinkevich on the 35th Anniversary of His Ordination

September 1, 2026. The Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, congratulated Protodeacon Nikolai Grinkevich, cleric of the Ascension Cathedral in Alma-Ata, on the 35th anniversary of his service in holy orders:

Dear Father Nikolai!

I warmly congratulate you on a significant milestone in your life – the 35th anniversary of your ordination to the diaconate!

For more than three decades, you have diligently participated in solemn divine services, adorning them with the powerful and beautiful voice bestowed upon you by God. By devoting your strength and abilities to the Church of Christ, you set a worthy example of faithfulness to your calling.

You are known as a person of outstanding gifts and admirable qualities of character. Through your reverent attitude toward divine worship, your modesty and kindness, you have earned well-deserved respect among the clergy and the sincere love and profound esteem of many laypeople.

On this day of your special spiritual celebration, I prayerfully wish you peace, good health and well-being, and that you may continue to fulfill your ministry with the same zeal.

In recognition of your diligent service and in connection with the 35th anniversary of your ordination to the diaconate, I consider it fitting to award you the “Enbek Ushin” (For Labor) Order.

May the Life-Giving Lord, through the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, renew your strength of soul and body, grant you His all-strengthening assistance throughout your life’s journey, and abundantly bestow upon you the gifts of the Spirit necessary for the successful fulfillment of the obediences entrusted to you.

Invoking God’s blessing,

HEAD OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH OF KAZAKHSTAN

METROPOLITAN OF ASTANA AND KAZAKHSTAN