Greeting to Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan on the Feast Day of His Heavenly Patrons from the Alma-Ata Theological Seminary

September 12, 2026. Alma-Ata. The administration, faculty and students of the Alma-Ata Orthodox Theological Seminary congratulate the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, on his name day:

Your Eminence,

Most Reverend Vladyka Metropolitan Alexander, our Archpastor and Father!

On behalf of the administration, faculty and students of the Alma-Ata Theological Seminary, please accept our congratulations on the feast day of your heavenly patrons – the Holy Right-Believing Grand Prince Alexander Nevsky and St. Alexander of Svir.

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise” (Prov. 11:30), proclaims the Old Testament prophet. The example of your life, your fervent prayers, together with your wise counsel and guidance, help us fulfill the obediences and responsibilities entrusted to us in our service to the Church of Christ, steadfastly follow the path of the Gospel, correct the mistakes we have made, and preserve a living faith in our hearts. Like your heavenly patrons, through your sacrificial labors, steadfastness and patience, with God’s help, you transform the world around you and foster the development of various spheres of Church life. You tirelessly call the faithful to live according to the ideals of the Gospel, to perform works of love and mercy, and to build peace and social harmony. Your authoritative voice is heeded by our contemporaries, for your preaching is “not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1 Cor. 2:4).

On this special day, we would like to express our appreciation and filial gratitude to you for your constant attention and active care for the theological seminary which you founded in the city of Alma-Ata sixteen years ago.

All of us who labor and study at our higher theological school offer prayers to the Lord that He may grant you health, salvation and success in every good endeavor.

Please accept our sincere wishes for strength of soul and body, abundant help from God and continued success in the lofty and responsible hierarchal ministry that you carry out.

Εἰς πολλὰ ἔτη, δέσποτα!