A Course Entitled “Orthodox Anthropology and Psychological Science” Has Begun at the Ascension Cathedral in Almaty

1 December 2025. Almaty.

With the blessing of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, teaching has begun at the parish educational centre of the Ascension Cathedral in Almaty for the course “Orthodox Anthropology and Psychological Science”.

The initiators and organisers of the course are Father Alexander Suvorov, keykeeper of the cathedral and head of the Public Relations Department of the Kazakhstan Metropolis, and Father Alexander Ievlev, spiritual father of the cathedral’s Sunday school.

The classes are conducted by Victoria Alexandrovna Levina, an experienced psychologist who serves as a consultant at the Ascension Cathedral.

Assisting the instructor is Vladislav Platonov, a fifth-year student of the Almaty Orthodox Theological Seminary.

According to the organisers’ concept, the lectures present a synthesis of theological tradition and professional psychology. Participants learn how the human person is fashioned by God, how spiritual laws intertwine with psychological processes, and how different developmental stages, difficulties and crises become a path toward the maturation of the soul.

Those attending the first session were introduced to the foundations of Orthodox anthropology, discussed the nature of man, the ontology of Adam, the inner struggle and the path toward restoration of wholeness. They learned about the Divine image and likeness in humanity and were introduced to the concept of neuroplasticity.

The purpose of the course is to provide listeners with a clear understanding that the practice of spiritual life and the study of psychological processes do not contradict one another but may work together as faithful allies in the formation of necessary moral qualities and virtues.

The next class will take place on 14 December at 12:30 in the information room of the Ascension Cathedral. All are welcome to attend.