Graduation Ceremony of the Theological and Missionary Faculty of the Almaty Theological Seminary

December 14, 2024. Almaty. The Throne Hall of the Spiritual and Cultural Center of the Kazakhstan Metropolis, named after Metropolitan Joseph (Chernov), hosted the graduation ceremony for students of the Theological and Missionary Faculty of the Almaty Orthodox Theological Seminary.

The solemn act was presided over by Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan.

Participating in the event were: Protopriest Evgeny Bobylev, Chair of the Department of Religious Education and Catechesis of the Metropolis and Dean of the Theological and Missionary Faculty; Protopriest Evgeny Ivanov, Acting Rector of the Almaty Theological Seminary and Head of the Metropolis’ Information Department; Protodeacon Roman Golovin, Head of the Metropolitan’s Protocol Service; members of the teaching staff and students of the Theological and Missionary Faculty, as well as staff of the Almaty Diocesan Administration.

Opening the ceremony, the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan addressed the attendees with a welcoming speech. In his remarks, the archpastor underscored the importance of this event for the entire Kazakhstan Metropolis, which reflects the growth of Orthodox theological education in the country.

“Regardless of how civilization develops or societal priorities change, the Church will always remain faithful to its calling, expressed in the words of its Divine Founder: ‘Go therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit’ (Matt. 28:19). These words are addressed not only to clergy but also to everyone who calls themselves a Christian. Over the years of study at the Theological and Missionary Faculty, you have received a comprehensive systematic education and acquired the necessary knowledge to bear witness to the timeless truth of the Gospel to those near and far. Faith in Christ, Crucified and Risen, and the proclamation of the Kingdom of God that has come in power (Mark 9:1) opens for us the most effective way to resist evil and transform the world around us. It is, of course, essential for each of you, who are receiving your diplomas today, to find the point at which to apply your talents, abilities, and strengths,” Metropolitan Alexander emphasized.

At the conclusion of his address, the hierarch warmly congratulated the graduates on completing their studies and wished them peace, goodness, and God’s help in their labors for the benefit of the Holy Church.

The Dean of the Theological and Missionary Faculty, Protopriest Evgeny Bobylev, also delivered a greeting to those gathered.

This was followed by the presentation of diplomas. In the 2023–2024 academic year, 17 students of the evening division successfully completed the courses of the Theological and Missionary Faculty of the Almaty Orthodox Theological Seminary.

The event concluded with a group photograph.