Metropolitan Alexander Congratulated Pupils of Sunday Schools of Almaty Churches on the Feast of the Nativity of Christ

January 12, 2026. Almaty.

A meeting between Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan and pupils and teachers of Sunday schools of the Southern Capital took place in the Throne Hall of the Spiritual and Cultural Center of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District named after Metropolitan Joseph (Chernov).

The event was attended by: Secretary of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District, Honored Artist of the Russian Federation O.N. Ovchinnikov; Rector of the Almaty Theological Seminary, Head of the Information and Publishing Department of the Metropolitan District, Candidate of Theology Archpriest Evgeny Ivanov; Dean of the churches of the Central District of the Oryol Diocese Archpriest Vasily Ivanov (Oryol Metropolis – Russia); Head of the Metropolitan’s Personal Secretariat Hieromonk Prokhor (Endovitsky); Head of the Administrative Secretariat of the Head of the Metropolitan District Priest Georgy Sidorov; Head of the Culture Department of the Metropolitan District Priest Bogdan Boyko; Head of the Metropolitan’s Protocol Service Protodeacon Roman Golovin; Director of the Central Sunday School G.V. Cherepanova; teachers of the Sunday schools of Almaty, parents of the pupils, staff of the diocesan administration, and parishioners of the churches of the Southern Capital.

Metropolitan Alexander congratulated those gathered on the feast of the Nativity of Christ, the Yuletide days, and the beginning of the New Year.

“It is a good tradition to glorify the Son of God – to perform, in the circle of family and loved ones, hymns recounting the Gospel events connected with the Nativity, to sing carols, ancient and modern glorifying songs in various languages of the world, praising the Lord’s love for mankind. And today we have gathered to once again share with one another the joy of the feast. Each of us wishes that there would be as many joyful, happy days as possible in life, that a good mood would not leave us, and that there would be as few reasons for sorrow as possible. The newborn God-Infant Christ teaches us a great and at the same time simple truth – that we ourselves are the creators of our own happiness. I wish all of you, my dear ones, God’s help on your life’s path, success in your studies and favorite pursuits, respect for parents and teachers and for those who are older than you, kindness and understanding in communication with peers and younger children. I wish that you may grow in peace, wisdom, and love,” the archpastor said in particular.

During the meeting, pupils of the Almaty Sunday schools performed the troparion and kontakion of the feast, Christmas carols, and folk songs.

The Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan presented Christmas gifts to all those present, wishing them the mercy of the Lord, good health, and long life.

On behalf of the teachers and pupils, the Director of the Central Sunday School G.V. Cherepanova addressed Metropolitan Alexander with words of good wishes and congratulations.

The meeting concluded with a group photograph.