Metropolitan Alexander Delivered a Lecture on the Theme “The Life and Labors of Saint Sophronius, the First Hierarch of the Land of Kazakhstan, the Apostle of the Great Steppe”

September 23, 2025. Almaty. In the throne hall of the spiritual, cultural and administrative center named after Metropolitan Joseph (Chernov), Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, Professor of the Department of Church History of the Almaty Seminary, delivered a lecture for students and faculty of the theological school.

Lecture theme: “The Life and Labors of Saint Sophronius, the First Hierarch of the Land of Kazakhstan, the Apostle of the Great Steppe.”

The lecture of the Head of the Metropolis, timed to the celebration of the 225th anniversary of the birth of Archbishop Sophronius (Sokolsky) of Turkestan and Tashkent, was held within the framework of the scholarly seminar-lecture series “Orthodoxy on the Silk Road: Past, Present, Future”, which has been operating at the Almaty Seminary since 2023.

Those present at the event included: Vicar of the Astana Diocese Bishop Benjamin of Talgar; Rector of the Almaty Theological Seminary Archpriest Evgeny Ivanov; Vice-Rector for Educational Work Priest Ioann Livinsky; Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Priest Peter Bakhtiyarov; Vice-Rector for Research, Candidate of Philosophical Sciences A.P. Solovyov; Head of the Department of Church History Archpriest Alexander Gaychenya; Head of the Correspondence Department Priest Daniel Bobylev; Head of the Seminary Chancellery Priest Alexander Shishlov; faculty members of the seminary; staff of the Almaty Diocesan Administration; and Director of the Central Sunday School G.V. Cherepanova.

Before the lecture, the audience was greeted by Vice-Rector for Research A.P. Solovyov. Artem Pavlovich reminded listeners that in 2025 the Church marks the 225th anniversary of the birth of Archbishop Sophronius — a prominent Church figure and spiritual enlightener of the 19th century, the Apostle of the Great Steppe, the first hierarch of the Turkestan Diocese, whose successors today are the Metropolises of Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

In his lecture, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan presented the biography of Saint Sophronius, outlined the historical context of his era, and highlighted the main stages of his pastoral ministry. The hierarch noted in particular:

“The apostolic labors of Archbishop Sophronius in Central Asia were preceded by years of fruitful ministry in various dioceses of Russia, in Rome and Constantinople, in the Caucasus and in Little Russia. Among his significant historical merits was his work in reuniting the Persian Syro-Chaldean Nestorians with the Orthodox Church. As a hieromonk, he prepared Dmitry Alexandrovich Bryanchaninov — later Bishop Ignatius of the Caucasus, a prominent Church writer and theologian — for monastic tonsure. It is known that later they were united by a long-standing spiritual friendship.”

Metropolitan Alexander spoke about the results of current scholarly research on the life and works of Archbishop Sophronius in Kazakhstan based on newly discovered archival documents:

“The main feats that crowned the righteous life of the hierarch were accomplished when he served as the ruling bishop of the newly formed Turkestan Diocese. Fearlessly, he traveled vast distances to enlighten his flock with the word of the Gospel and to bring the nomadic tribes still dwelling in the darkness of pagan superstitions to the light of truth. Archbishop Sophronius can rightly be called a man who was making contemporary Church history in Central Asia. Everywhere and at all times he displayed his talents and extraordinary strength of spirit. He organized the work of the diocesan consistory, created a choir, built and arranged churches, trained candidates for the priesthood, and still found time to prepare his scholarly works for publication. The saint left behind a rich intellectual and spiritual legacy, an important part of which are his homilies, sermons and addresses. Two volumes of sermons were published during his lifetime in 1876. His teachings are a vivid monument of 19th-century homiletics. In content, his words and addresses belong to the category of moral and practical preaching, filled with explanations of the commandments of Holy Scripture and Church statutes, and often included admonitions. Being himself a strict practitioner of the Divine Law, he fervently and sincerely desired that his listeners be just as zealous in their spiritual lives.”

In conclusion, Metropolitan Alexander reminded his listeners of the importance of preserving the legacy of the saintly archbishop:

“The image of Saint Sophronius, his example of self-sacrifice and diligence, possesses immense moral power and reveals the truth of the Gospel of Christ. It is our sacred duty to preserve the memory of Archbishop Sophronius, who by his labors contributed to the spread of God’s truth in the ancient land of Kazakhstan and gave his life in service to the Holy Church.”

At the end of the lecture, the hierarch answered questions from the audience.

Rector of the Almaty Theological Seminary Archpriest Evgeny Ivanov, on behalf of those present, expressed gratitude to the Head of the Metropolis for his meaningful presentation. Father Evgeny drew special attention to certain parallels between the ministry of Archbishop Sophronius and that of Metropolitan Alexander.