Metropolitan Alexander Holds a Working Meeting with Bishop Gideon of Malotimofeevka, Newly Appointed Vicar of the Astana Diocese

November 13, 2026. Almaty. Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan held a meeting with Bishop Gideon of Malotimofeevka, the newly appointed Vicar of the Astana Diocese, at the Metropolitan Joseph (Chernov) Administrative, Spiritual and Cultural Centre of the Metropolitan District of Kazakhstan.

On October 22, 2026, by a decision of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church (Minutes No. 72), His Grace Bishop Gideon was relieved of his duties as ruling hierarch of the Vyksa Diocese and appointed Vicar of the Astana Diocese with the title of Bishop of Malotimofeevka.

Metropolitan Alexander congratulated Bishop Gideon on his appointment to a new place of ministry, wishing him God’s help in his lofty archpastoral service.

The newly appointed hierarch thanked the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan for his words of encouragement and asked for his prayers that the strengthening grace and assistance of God might be bestowed upon him in his forthcoming labours.

His Grace then shared with the Metropolitan his favourable impressions of becoming acquainted with the ecclesiastical life of the diocese, noting the high standard of parish organization and the responsible attitude of the clergy towards the fulfilment of their pastoral duties.

During the meeting, the hierarchs discussed the responsibilities of a vicar bishop as defined by the Statute of the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as matters concerning his participation in the liturgical and administrative life of the Diocese of Astana and Almaty.

Metropolitan Alexander spoke to Bishop Gideon about the particular aspects of ecclesiastical ministry in Kazakhstan, cooperation between dioceses and governmental and public organizations, and the activities of theological educational institutions and Church social service institutions.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the archpastors exchanged wishes for God’s help in their service to the Church of Christ.

Prior to his working meeting with Metropolitan Alexander, Bishop Gideon visited the holy sites of the Almaty Diocese - the Ascension Cathedral, St. Nicholas Church and the Church of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos in the southern capital.