A Creative Evening Dedicated to the 70th Birthday of Renowned Kazakh Historian and Local Historian V.V. Kutishchev Held in Uralsk

On January 23, 2025, a creative evening titled “The Spiritual Light of Books” took place at the House of Friendship of the Assembly in the city of Uralsk, celebrating the 70th birthday of the renowned Kazakh historian and local historian Vladimir Vladimirovich Kutishchev.

The event was attended by: Bishop Vianor of Uralsk and Atyrau; the head of the Internal Policy Department of the Baiterek District of West Kazakhstan Region, N.K. Zholdaskaliyev; the Deputy Chairman of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan of West Kazakhstan Region, D.A. Saratov; Vice-Consul of the Russian Consulate General in Uralsk, K.V. Pogorelskiy; Doctor of Philosophy, A.V. Golubev; journalist V. Torgovin; representatives of the regional Association of Russian, Slavic, and Cossack Organizations of Kazakhstan; clergy and parishioners of Uralsk Diocese churches; as well as representatives of the academic and creative intelligentsia.

Bishop Vianor opened the event with a welcoming speech, highlighting Vladimir Vladimirovich’s significant contributions to preserving and promoting the historical heritage of Western Kazakhstan. In recognition of his many years of work and to commemorate his milestone birthday, the bishop awarded Kutishchev the medal “Eren Enbeki” (For Distinguished Service). D.A. Saratov and K.V. Pogorelskiy also presented him with letters of gratitude.

The creative evening continued with the presentation of V.V. Kutishchev’s documentary film “The Mysterious Elder Antip,” which explores the life and activities of A.P. Naruchkin, an honorary member of the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society (IPPO). The film was created with the blessing of Bishop Vianor of Uralsk and Atyrau.

Before the screening, the film’s creator, V.V. Kutishchev, addressed the audience, explaining the concept of the film and the specific features of the production process.

After the viewing, attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and converse with the filmmaker.

The evening was further enhanced by performances from A. Lantseva, a soloist of the city orchestra of Russian folk instruments, and participants of the “Shattyk” vocal studio from the city’s extracurricular activity center, led by artistic director N. Kroitor.

At the conclusion of the event, a group photo was taken, after which V.V. Kutishchev signed autographs and posed for photographs with attendees.