A Presentation of the Printed Works of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, Dedicated to the 16th Anniversary of His Patriarchal Enthronement, Took Place in Almaty

February 4, 2025. Almaty. With the blessing of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, a presentation of the printed works of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, dedicated to the 16th anniversary of his Patriarchal enthronement, took place in the foyer of the spiritual, cultural, and administrative center named after Metropolitan Joseph (Chernov).

The event was organized by the Publishing Department of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District and the Almaty Orthodox Theological Seminary. The curators of the exhibition were Protopriest Kirill Shklyar, the sacristan of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, and Deacon Ilya Vorobyov, a cleric of the Iveron-Seraphim Convent in the Southern Capital.

The book exhibition was opened by Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan.

Attending the presentation of the new books by His Holiness were: Bishop Klavdian of Taldykorgan, Vicar of the Astana Diocese; Bishop Khrysanth of Chimkent and Turkestan; Protopriest Valery Zakharov, Dean of the Churches of Almaty and Rector of St. Nicholas Cathedral; Protopriest Evgeny Vorobyov, Rector of the Almaty Church in honor of the Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow”; Archimandrite Iosif (Eremenko), Rector of the Tomsk Theological Seminary (Tomsk Metropolis); Protopriest Evgeny Bobylev, Chairman of the Department of Religious Education and Catechesis of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District; Protopriest Alexander Suvorov, Sacristan of the Ascension Cathedral in Almaty and Head of the Metropolitan District’s Department for Public Relations; Protopriest Dmitry Baydek, Sacristan of the Dormition Cathedral in Astana; T.V. Zubkova, Head of International Humanitarian Projects of Rossotrudnichestvo; M.S. Simakova, Head of the Rossotrudnichestvo Office in the Republic of Kazakhstan; professors and students of the Almaty Theological Seminary; staff of the diocesan administration; clergy and parishioners of the churches of the Southern Capital.

Before the start of the event, the Head of the Metropolitan District addressed the audience with a welcoming speech:

“Just recently, on February 1, we prayerfully marked the 16th anniversary of the enthronement of the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’. The Primate is the author of numerous outstanding publications, reports, and speeches. He has written a number of books in which His Holiness sets forth his theological views, his vision of the near and distant future, and shares his perspective on global social and historical processes. Reviving the ancient tradition of homiletics, Patriarch Kirill gives it a new, social resonance. He speaks to both church-going and secular audiences in a universal language of preaching. His Holiness boldly addresses the most contentious and pressing issues in his writings—whether they concern international conflicts, pandemics, digital technologies, or artificial intelligence,” Metropolitan Alexander emphasized.

Protopriest Kirill Shklyar gave an address on the books of the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church. The sacristan of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul shared details with the audience about the concept of the exhibition and conducted a guided tour.

During the event, new publications from the Collected Works of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow were presented, released in the series “A Word to Those Near and Far”, as well as thematic compilations:

“On Meanings”, “Only Life: A Dialogue with Youth”, “So That Fasting May Be for Salvation. A Guide for the Penitent”, “Living Memory: The Saints and Us”, and “Happiness the Size of a Lifetime: On Family and Family Values.”

The books of the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church are intended for a wide audience interested in the service of the First Hierarch, as well as for those who engage with the words of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ in their work.

Visitors to the book exhibition had the opportunity to explore stands displaying photo and video materials on the major milestones of His Holiness’s life and work, as well as his Patriarchal visits to Kazakhstan.

The books of the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church will be donated to the library of the Almaty Orthodox Theological Seminary and the Sunday schools of the Southern Capital.

At the conclusion of the presentation, those gathered chanted Many Years for His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’.