The 10th Congress of Orthodox Youth of Kazakhstan concluded its work

On May 11, 2025, the 10th Congress of Orthodox Youth of Kazakhstan, organized with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’, concluded its work.

The congress, which took place near Alma-Ata, on the territory of the “8 Lakes” eco-resort, gathered more than 200 participants – delegates from all the dioceses of the Metropolitan District, leaders and members of diocesan and parish youth organizations, those responsible for organizing youth and educational work, experts in public, religious, and social affairs, as well as guests from Russia and Belarus.

Over the course of four days, the teams took part in religious-themed quizzes, master classes, vocal and instrumental competitions, sporting contests, discussions on issues relevant to the younger generation, and listened to lectures by faculty of the Alma-Ata Theological Seminary. Thanks to the coordinated work of the clergy and teachers, the well-thought-out program, and the special Christian atmosphere of the forum, the teenagers were able to spend time in a joyful and engaging way, while also having the opportunity to strengthen themselves in the traditional spiritual and moral values of Orthodoxy.

During the congress, a meeting was organized with S. Sashliev, author of the YouTube channel Seraphim.

On August 10, the feast of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God, the forum participants visited the Ascension Cathedral in the city of Alma-Ata, prayed at the Divine Liturgy, and received the Holy Mysteries of Christ.

On August 11, the day of commemoration of the heavenly patrons of Kazakhstan – the Holy Hieromartyrs Seraphim and Theognost of Alma-Ata – the congress delegates arrived at the Seraphim–Theognost Men’s Hermitage in the Aksai Gorge – the place of the monastic labors and martyrdom of the holy hieromonks. The pilgrims took part in the spiritual celebrations for the patronal feast of the monastery.

At the closing of the forum, the Chairman of the Youth Affairs Commission of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District, Bishop Ignaty of Aktobe and Kyzylorda, addressed the participants with an archpastoral message, in which he noted the importance and relevance of youth ministry for the Church. The archpastor thanked his deputy, Priest Georgy Rublinsky, the guests, and all those who took part in the organization and running of the congress. He also expressed special gratitude to the leadership of the ELEOS-MEIRIM public foundation for their active participation and assistance in holding this large-scale youth event.

In their response, the young people thanked Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, Bishop Ignaty, and the congress organizers, and shared their impressions. According to the delegates, everyone who took part in the forum felt themselves to be one large Christian family, and a warm, friendly atmosphere reigned at the congress.

The youth celebration concluded with a concert.