First All-Kazakhstan Congress on Church Social and Charitable Work “Serving One’s Neighbor” Concludes in Astana

August 29, 2026. Astana. The First All-Kazakhstan Congress on Church Social and Charitable Work “Serving One’s Neighbor” concluded its work at the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Spiritual and Cultural Center.

The congress was attended by heads and staff members of the social ministry departments of the dioceses of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District, sisters of mercy from the Alma-Ata and Kokshetau Dioceses, clergy, and faithful of the churches of Astana.

The forum was preceded by the celebration of the festal Divine Liturgy at the Dormition Cathedral, which marked its patronal feast that day. The service was led by Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan.

This was followed by a meeting between His Eminence and the participants of the congress, during which the hierarch presented a report on the Church’s social and charitable work in the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District. Following the plenary session, the congress continued with sectional meetings.

The second day of the forum was devoted to practical issues concerning the organization of Church social ministry and the exchange of experience among representatives of the dioceses of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District.

The participants discussed the protection of motherhood and childhood, support for pregnant women, the development of volunteer ministry, assistance to those in need, the organization of parish social work, as well as the use of modern information resources in the Church’s educational and social activities.

Particular attention was given to the experience of implementing social projects in the dioceses and parishes of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District. Reports were presented by representatives of social ministry departments, sisterhoods and volunteer associations, as well as participants in the “You Are Needed by the World” project.

As part of the congress, the “You Are Needed by the World” project was presented, along with the experience of the “Home for Mom” Crisis Center and other areas of the Church’s social ministry.

At the conclusion of the congress, the participants adopted a resolution outlining the principal areas for the further development of the Church’s social and charitable ministry in Kazakhstan.

The forum concluded with a review of its work and results. The participants expressed their gratitude to the organizers of the congress – the Metropolitan District Commission for Charity and Social Ministry and the Eleos-Meirim Public Foundation (President – V.M. Kapsamun) – for preparing and holding the event.