Kazakhstan Welcomes the Relics of Blessed Matrona of Moscow

September 28, 2024. Astana. With the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, the relics of Blessed Matrona of Moscow arrived in the capital of Kazakhstan.

The arrival of the relics of Blessed Matrona in Kazakhstan is timed to coincide with two historic anniversaries: the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Astana and Almaty Diocese and the upcoming 15th anniversary of the canonical status of the Metropolitan District.

The transportation of the relics is supported by the "Apostle" Public Foundation, led by its president, G.G. Sosnovsky.

From Astana International Airport, the venerable relics were brought to the Assumption Cathedral, where they were met by the archpastors of the Metropolitan District, foreign guest hierarchs, clergy, and numerous faithful, all led by Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan.

As the troparion to the righteous one, “God-enlightened blessed elder Matrona,” was sung, the reliquary with the holy relics was brought into the cathedral and placed in the center of the church, after which the Divine Liturgy, led by Metropolitan Alexander, began.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, veneration of the Life-Giving Cross of Christ took place, followed by the glorification of the blessed saint.

Metropolitan Alexander addressed the participants of the spiritual celebration with a welcoming word:

“Today, Kazakhstan is witnessing a special sacred celebration—by the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, the honorable relics and a portion of the vestment of Blessed Matrona of Moscow are being brought to the Metropolitan District.

The name of this humble and meek servant of God is known to millions of people around the world. Books are written, and documentaries are made about the many miracles that occur through the prayers of the blessed elder, and churches and chapels are built in her memory. Every day, at the Pokrovsky Stavropegial Monastery in Moscow, a long line of pilgrims from various countries forms to venerate the relics of Saint Matrona.

Not everyone can leave their duties and concerns to embark on a challenging pilgrimage abroad, but now every Kazakhstani seeking spiritual help and comfort, in need of healing from illnesses, and desiring to strengthen their faith, can come and venerate the relics of Blessed Matrona, offering sincere prayers for themselves, their family, and their loved ones.

The examples of saints are given to us so that we may grow stronger spiritually and morally. The life of Saint Matrona was a constant carrying of the cross, in humble obedience to God’s will and in courageous endurance of suffering. Gospel mercy always shone in her words and deeds and poured abundantly on those around her. Because of this, she became a great servant of God, a light to the world, and a source of miracles.

Through the prayers of the holy righteous Matrona of Moscow, may the Lord, Who is wondrous in His saints, strengthen all who suffer, heal the sick, restore hope to the despairing, comfort the sorrowful, enlighten those who are lost, reconcile the estranged, fill our hearts with love, and bless the land of Kazakhstan with peace."

From the sermon of Metropolitan Alexander.