An international spiritual and educational exhibition – “The Shroud of Turin” – opened in Astana

August 1, 2025. Astana. With the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’, and in anticipation of the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, the international spiritual and educational exhibition “The Shroud of Turin” was opened at the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation in the capital.

The organizers of the exhibition are: the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, the Archdiocese of the Roman Catholic Church in Astana, in collaboration with the Sovereign Order of Malta and the international charitable foundation Kirche in Not (Aid to the Church in Need).

The entire set of works involved in preparing the exhibition and arranging the exhibits in the halls of the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation was carried out with the blessing of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan by the efforts of the dean of the Astana church district, Archimandrite Sergy (Karamyshev); the sacristan of the Dormition Cathedral, Hieromonk Dimitry (Baydek); and the head of the Administrative Secretariat of the Head of the Metropolitan District, Priest Georgy Sidorov. Professors and students of the Almaty Orthodox Theological Seminary also took active part in the project.

The grand opening was attended by the Head of the Metropolitan District of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Republic of Kazakhstan, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, along with honored guests, including: the Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, A.G. Balaeva; the Chair of the Committee on Socio-Cultural Development and Science of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, N.B. Zhusip; Deputy Akim of the city of Astana, Y. Meirkhanov; Acting Chairman of the Board of the “International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue” JSC, M.U. Kalizhanov; Apostolic Nuncio (Vatican Ambassador) to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Archbishop George Panamthundil; Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Serbia to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Vladimir Jovicic; Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sylvain Guigues; Executive President of the Kirche in Not foundation, Regina Lynch; Minister-Counsellor of the Embassy of Russia in Kazakhstan, A.E. Komarov; expert on the historical content of the exhibition “The Shroud of Turin,” archaeologist and Doctor of Science, Princess Sophia Löwenstein-Wertheim-Rosenberg; Chair of the German Association of the Order of Malta, Baron Johannes Heremann von Südwig; expert of the Order of Malta in Germany and project manager of the exhibition, F. Dernd; Head of the “Russia, Central Asia and the Caucasus” Department of the Kirche in Not international charitable foundation and co-founder of the exhibition, P.V. Gumeniuk; the Apostolic Administrator of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Astana, Archbishop-Metropolitan Tomasz Bernard Peta; representatives of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Kazakhstan and Central Asia; benefactors of the Metropolitan District; scholars and members of the cultural intelligentsia of the capital; staff of diplomatic missions; and journalists from both state and private media outlets.

In her welcoming address to the participants, the Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, A.G. Balaeva, noted that the artifacts presented to residents and guests of the capital are a testimony to the spiritual and cultural growth of all humanity. In her view, the upcoming Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions will become one of the key international events, reflecting Kazakhstan’s commitment to the ideals of peace, harmony, and humanism.

“By preserving and studying these unique testimonies of the past, we lay a solid foundation for the future – one based on mutual understanding, spiritual unity, and ongoing cultural dialogue,” emphasized Aida Galymovna.

The Minister recalled the words of President Kassym-Jomart Kemelovich Tokayev, who stated in one of his addresses that religion has always played an educational role, and that the Holy Scriptures are filled with the ideas of humanism, compassion, and mercy.

In her remarks, the Minister also announced the upcoming forum:

“Very soon, we expect the arrival of delegates and honored guests of the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. Though they represent different spiritual traditions, they will gather on the hospitable and blessed Kazakh land to jointly call upon all humanity to dialogue and harmony, to respect and mutual understanding, to mercy, compassion, and love.

I am convinced that organizing this exhibition once again confirms Kazakhstan’s sincere intention to continue making a vital contribution to the great cause of preserving unity and solidarity among different religions, cultures, and civilizations.

In today’s vibrant and turbulent age, every exhibition is a grand event that revives moral reference points and values in a new way and enriches the human soul.”

The Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan addressed the participants of the event:

“Together we are taking part in a culturally and spiritually significant event – the opening of the unique exhibition ‘The Shroud of Turin’ in Astana.

This scholarly and educational initiative is timed to coincide with the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held in the capital of Kazakhstan.

This forum has become a unique platform for interfaith and interethnic dialogue. It is symbolic that representatives of various confessions and nationalities are also involved in preparing and conducting the exhibition.

The ‘Shroud of Turin’ exhibition introduces visitors to the history and scientific research of a renowned archaeological relic that is often referred to as the ‘Fifth Gospel’.

As a unique relic, the Shroud has drawn the attention of scholars and countless pilgrims from ancient times to this day. It inspires interest in the study of Holy Scripture and Biblical history.”

The archpastor expressed his hope that:

“Holding the ‘Shroud of Turin’ exhibition in Astana and other cities of the Republic will have great significance for the development of interfaith and intercultural dialogue and will serve the noble cause of strengthening peace and harmony in society.”

In his welcoming remarks, the Vatican Ambassador particularly noted:

“How fitting it is that this exhibition is taking place in Kazakhstan – a country known for its commitment to interreligious dialogue, mutual respect, and the promotion of peace.

The presence here today of both civil and religious authorities testifies to the harmony that is possible when faith and public life go hand in hand in the service of the common good.”

The ideas expressed by Archbishop George Panamthundil were further developed by Archbishop-Metropolitan Tomasz Peta:

“The exhibition of sacred relics in the capital and other major cities of our country is testimony to the presence of religious freedom in Kazakhstan, the fruitful cooperation among representatives of different religious worldviews, and a shared desire to strengthen the unity of our people.

May the success of this exposition bear fruit in the deepening of spirituality in the hearts of the people of Kazakhstan and become a sign of God’s blessing upon our nation, which has chosen the path of peaceful development founded on eternal values.”

“The Shroud of Turin is often called the ‘Fifth Gospel’ and is regarded as one of the most precious relics of all branches of Christianity.

At the same time, it is one of the most thoroughly studied objects of our time.

We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the organization of this exhibition in Kazakhstan,” concluded the Executive President of the Kirche in Not foundation, Regina Lynch.

After the official addresses, those present proceeded to the exhibition hall, where an exact replica of the Shroud of Turin was displayed, along with 27 thematic informational panels, historical artifacts, video materials, and illustrative brochures dedicated to the study of this phenomenon. Researchers recreated a copy of the Crown of Thorns, the instruments of the Passion of Christ, and the nails used in crucifixion executions in the first century.

Parallel to the Shroud of Turin exhibition, another exposition titled “Sacred Books” was opened at the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation with the participation of the Kazakh Metropolitan District. It showcases examples of spiritual literature from the world’s religions.

Fifty editions of sacred texts and rare manuscripts representing various confessions and historical periods are on display for visitors.

Both exhibitions will remain open until September 25, 2025.