January 19, 2025. Almaty. A meeting of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan with students and teachers of Sunday schools from the parishes of Almaty took place in the Throne Hall of the Spiritual and Cultural Center of the Metropolitan District of Kazakhstan, named after Metropolitan Joseph (Chernov).
The event was attended by: 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, Protopriest Evgeny Ivanov; Head of the Metropolitan’s Personal Secretariat, Hieromonk Prokhor (Yendovitsky); Head of the Metropolitan’s Protocol Service, Protodeacon Roman Golovin; Head of the Metropolitan District’s Culture Department and Director of the Choir-Conducting Department of the Almaty Theological Seminary, L.E. Goricheva; Director of the Central Sunday School, G.V. Cherepanova; Sunday school teachers from Almaty parishes; students’ parents; staff of the diocesan administration; and parishioners of Almaty churches.
Metropolitan Alexander extended greetings to all present on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the festive days of Christmastide, and the New Year.
“It is a wonderful tradition to glorify the Son of God by singing hymns recounting the Gospel events of Christmas, as well as carols, both ancient and modern, in various languages of the world, praising the Lord’s love for humanity. Today, we have gathered once more to share the joy of the feast with one another. Each of us wishes for many joyful and happy days in life, for good spirits to prevail, and for as few reasons for sorrow as possible. The Infant Christ teaches us a profound yet simple truth: we are the creators of our own happiness. My dear ones, I wish you God’s help along your life path, success in your studies and favorite activities, respect for your parents and teachers, for those older than you, and kindness and understanding in your interactions with peers and younger ones. May you grow in peace, wisdom, and love,” said the archpastor.
During the meeting, Sunday school students performed the Troparion and Kontakion of the feast, Christmas carols, and folk songs.
The Head of the Orthodox Church in Kazakhstan presented gifts to everyone present, wishing them God’s mercy, health, and longevity.
On behalf of the teachers and students, the Director of the Central Sunday School, G.V. Cherepanova, addressed Metropolitan Alexander with words of congratulations and good wishes.
The meeting concluded with a group photo.
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