Bishop Claudian Congratulates the Choir of the Iveron-Seraphim Monastery on Their Victory at the International Festival “Light of Christ”

January 17, 2025. Almaty. With the blessing of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, Bishop Claudian of Taldykorgan, a vicar of the Astana Diocese, met with the choir of the Iveron-Seraphim Convent.

The event took place in the Throne Hall of the Spiritual and Cultural Center of the Metropolitan District of Kazakhstan, named after Metropolitan Joseph (Chernov).

Attendees included: the Secretary of the Metropolitan District of Kazakhstan and Honored Artist of Russia O.N. Ovchinnikov; Acting Rector of the Almaty Theological Seminary and Head of the Metropolitan District’s Information and Publishing Department, Archpriest Evgeny Ivanov; Head of the Administrative Secretariat of the Head of the Metropolitan District, Priest Georgy Sidorov; and staff of the Almaty Diocesan Administration.

Bishop Claudian congratulated the conductor, O.B. Usoltseva, and the choir on their victory at the Third Patriarchal International Festival of Sacred Music “Light of Christ,” held in 2024 with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. As a result of the competition, the monastery’s choir was awarded the title of Laureate of the First Degree in the “Female Ensemble” category. On December 2, the choir participated in the Patriarchal Liturgy at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow, as well as in the gala concert.

The archpastor presented a special letter of gratitude from the Head of the Orthodox Church in Kazakhstan to the conductor and First-Degree Laureate certificates to the choir members.

In his congratulatory remarks, Bishop Claudian noted that the choir’s performances at this renowned international event were a fitting gift to all Kazakhstanis who appreciate vocal art, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Astana and Almaty Diocese. “Through your enthusiasm, diligence, and dedication to serving the high ideals of spiritual culture, you have earned the admiration of many grateful listeners – clergy, parishioners, and pilgrims of the Iveron-Seraphim Convent,” the bishop emphasized.

Bishop Claudian expressed gratitude to the choir and conductor for their efforts and wished them health, prosperity, and continued creative success.

On behalf of the choir, the conductor, Olga Usoltseva, expressed words of gratitude to the Head of the Orthodox Church in Kazakhstan and Bishop Claudian.