Cooperation Agreement Signed Between the Alma-Ata and Kaluga Orthodox Theological Seminaries

June 13, 2026. Alma-Ata. With the blessing of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan and Metropolitan Kliment of Kaluga and Borovsk, a cooperation agreement between the Alma-Ata and Kaluga Orthodox theological seminaries was signed at the Metropolitan Joseph (Chernov) Spiritual and Cultural Center of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District.

The text of the agreement, signed by the Rector of the Alma-Ata Theological Seminary, Archpriest Evgeniy Ivanov, and the Rector of the Kaluga Theological Seminary, Archpriest Sergiy Tretyakov, was formally approved with signatures and official seals by the Head of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District and the Head of the Kaluga Metropolis.

Present at the signing were: Rector of the St. Dormition Ferapont Monastery (Pustyn) in Borovensk, Hieromonk Andrey (Sinitsyn) (Kaluga Metropolis); Vice-Rector for Student Affairs Priest Ioann Livinsky; Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Priest Pyotr Bakhtiyarov; Head of the Church-Practical Department, Candidate of Theology Priest Vladislav Pashkov; Head of the Seminary Chancellery Priest Alexander Shishlov; and Hieromonk Kheruvim (Levin).

Under the signed agreement, the leading theological schools of Kazakhstan and Kaluga will organize joint conferences, seminars, round tables, and expert meetings on matters of mutual interest, as well as collaborate on research, educational, methodological, cultural, outreach, and academic programs.

During the working meeting, participants discussed various aspects of cooperation between the theological schools.

At the conclusion of the cordial and constructive meeting, Archpriest Evgeniy Ivanov presented the distinguished guests with Metropolitan Alexander’s work Christianity in Central Asia During the Middle Ages, a photo album on the Ascension Cathedral of the Southern Capital, the Metropolitan District’s 2026 calendar, and an icon of St. Sebastian of Karaganda. In return, Archpriest Sergiy Tretyakov donated academic periodicals published by the Kaluga Seminary, a brochure about the St. Dormition Ferapont Monastery in Borovensk, and commemorative gifts to the Alma-Ata Theological School.

The event concluded with a group photograph.