Course “Orthodox Anthropology and Psychological Science” Concludes at the Educational Center of the Ascension Cathedral in Alma-Ata

June 1, 2026. Alma-Ata. The course Orthodox Anthropology and Psychological Science, dedicated to a holistic understanding of the human person in the light of Orthodox theology and psychological science, concluded at the parish educational center attached to the Ascension Cathedral.

The initiators and organizers of the course, which received the blessing of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, were Archpriest Alexander Suvorov, dean of the cathedral and Head of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District Department for Public Relations, and Archpriest Alexander Iyevlev, spiritual father of the cathedral Sunday school.

Lectures were delivered by psychologist Victoria Alexandrovna Levina, who has many years of professional experience and serves as a consultant at the Ascension Cathedral.

The sessions examined key themes of the course: the image of God and human dignity, the ontology of development, talents and vocation, as well as hamartiology as a theological teaching helping to reveal the spiritual causes of humanity’s inner brokenness.

Particular attention was devoted to how a false or defensive concept of one’s own “self” may hinder a person from recognizing his sins, passions, and deeper distortions of the soul. Such a synthesis of theological and psychological perspectives enabled participants to gain a deeper understanding not only of human nature, but also of the importance of repentance, spiritual vigilance, and inner honesty on the path of spiritual formation.

Upon the completion of the course, certificates were presented to in-person students who demonstrated consistency, diligence, conscientiousness, and understanding of the material studied. The certificates were awarded to graduates by Archpriest Alexander Suvorov and Archpriest Alexander Iyevlev.