Presentation of the Book Christianity in Central Asia During the Middle Ages by Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan Held in Almaty

December 13, 2024. Almaty. Following the diocesan assembly of the clergy of the Astana and Almaty Diocese, the presentation of the book Christianity in Central Asia During the Middle Ages by Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan took place.

This monograph was published as part of the academic endeavors of the Almaty Orthodox Theological Seminary under the auspices of the publishing department of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District, headed by Protopriest Evgeny Ivanov.

Father Ioann Livinsky, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs of the theological seminary, provided an overview of the book’s structure and distinguishing features. He highlighted the scholarly rigor of the research, the breadth of the source base, and the significance of the findings.

The author of the monograph, Metropolitan Alexander, addressed the audience, explaining the importance of the research undertaken:

*“From ancient times to the present day, alongside traditional peaceful Islam, Christianity has been and remains a significant factor in interethnic harmony and social stability in Central Asia. It serves as one of the sources for preserving and strengthening culture, public morality, and lofty moral ideals. It is essential for all to understand that Christianity is neither a new nor a foreign religion in Kazakhstan or other Central Asian countries. This fact is irrefutably confirmed by an abundance of archaeological discoveries and references in historical chronicles.

Just as in other regions connected by the trade routes of the Great Silk Road, Christian missionaries from Syria arrived here in the first centuries of the Common Era. Churches were built, episcopal sees were established, and nomadic tribes professed faith in the Triune God and in Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world.

Archaeological data reveal the depth and richness of this region’s history and culture. From antiquity to the present day, Muslims and Christians across the Great Steppe have worked together in peace and mutual support for the prosperity and development of our common home—blessed Kazakhstan—setting an example for other nations.

I hope that this book will contribute to shaping an accurate historical understanding of Christianity’s presence in Central Asia during ancient times and the Middle Ages.”*

The metropolitan shared that the inspiration for the book came from a conversation with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the history of Kazakhstan’s traditional religions—Hanafi Islam and Christianity—during an official meeting on June 19, 2023. He emphasized that the President, an accomplished historian, provided extensive and relevant scholarly insights on the ancient Christian presence in the Great Steppe and the flourishing ecclesiastical life of the region during the Middle Ages. Some of the materials referenced by the President have been incorporated into the monograph.

Metropolitan Alexander also noted that a documentary film based on the book’s content will be produced. He then answered questions from the audience and presented clergy members with copies of the book.

The publication is richly illustrated, featuring maps and references to academic sources. It is intended for historians, religious scholars, archaeologists, and anyone interested in the history of the Christian faith. By the blessing of Metropolitan Alexander, the work will be distributed to the libraries of the Almaty Theological Seminary, parish schools, and cultural centers of the Metropolitan District.

Following the presentation, an exhibition based on the book’s materials, Christianity in Central Asia During the Middle Ages, was opened in the foyer of the Metropolitan Joseph (Chernov) Spiritual and Cultural Center.

The exhibition will remain open to the public until December 30. Admission is free.

“Among the various fundamental ideas that define the existence of nations, set historical trajectories, and shape civilizations, religious ideas have played and continue to play a dominant and primary role. Throughout human history, religion—faith in God or a supernatural world—and adherence to spiritual norms and traditions have constituted crucial elements. Religious ideas and teachings have contributed to the formation of moral values, legal and social norms, the emergence and development of science and education, as well as culture and art. The purpose of this publication is to illuminate the role and influence of Christianity in the history of Eastern civilizations, to describe its interaction with other religions, and to analyze the impact of Christian doctrine and ecclesiastical customs on the peoples of Central Asia, from antiquity to the Middle Ages. This book, written in a simple and accessible style, provides a general overview of the history of Christianity in the vast historical and geographical region known as Central Asia. It is intended for readers who lack the time or opportunity to delve into scholarly works and specialized monographs that have been published over the past decades. The work undertaken by Metropolitan Alexander is of a synthesizing nature. The primary objective in creating this book was to compile and summarize the materials currently available on the history of the Eastern Churches. It is worth noting that, in addition to data presented by Russian-speaking archaeologists and historians, the book incorporates the latest research on this topic by Western European scholars, published in English, German, and French. The life of Local Churches and Christian communities over the course of centuries represents a rich and often complex historical tapestry. To assist the reader in forming a clearer understanding of the emergence and existence of Christianity in various regions of Central Asia and among different peoples and tribes, the book organizes historical, ethnographic, and cultural data into chapters, each dedicated to a specific geographic area. It is important to recognize that fully reconstructing the history of Christianity in Central Asia is impossible due to the fragmentary and incomplete nature of historical records. One must also consider that significant interest in this subject has arisen only recently, and scholars have much work ahead to conduct deep and thorough research in this area. In the Republic of Kazakhstan—a multiethnic and multiconfessional country that today holds a leading political, socio-economic, and cultural position in Central Asia—Orthodoxy is the second most significant traditional religion after Islam of the Hanafi madhhab. Its historical role is acknowledged in the preamble to the Constitutional Law On Religious Activities and Religious Associations State and public figures traditionally refer to peaceful Islam and Orthodox Christianity as “two pillars” and “two spiritual wings” of Kazakhstan. The Turkestan Diocese was established in the expanse of Semirechye and the Great Steppe in 1871, and the Kazakhstan Metropolis was founded two decades ago. However, it is vital to remember that the history of the Orthodox Church in Kazakhstan reaches deep into antiquity. Christianity is neither a new nor a foreign religion to our country; this fact is irrefutably supported by abundant archaeological findings and references in historical chronicles. Spiritual enlighteners from Antioch came here in the early centuries of our era, as they did to other countries linked by the trade routes of the Great Silk Road. Churches were built here, episcopal sees were established, and nomadic tribes professed faith in the Triune God and the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. The information presented in this book helps to provide a deeper perspective on the history and culture of Kazakhstan, revealing its diversity and richness. Interest in the historical fate of Christianity in Central Asia and the work of Church figures who enlightened countries and peoples from the banks of the Euphrates River to the mountains of Manchuria is growing today. This is also due to the active development of dialogue between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Assyrian Church of the East. A comprehensive study of the history of Christianity in Central Asia remains a pressing and urgent issue. This is why numerous volumes of research on this topic are needed. However, there is also a need for popular science books that can capture the interest of the general reader and help them understand their connection to the history of the land where they live. Such literature is, unfortunately, a rarity. It is precisely this gap that this book seeks to fill with its general overview of the history of Christianity in medieval Central Asia.”