Children’s Geography Olympiad Held at St. Vladimir’s Parish in Chemolgan

October 25, 2026. With the blessing of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, a geography Olympiad for Sunday school pupils of the Diocese of Almaty was held at St. Vladimir’s Parish in Chemolgan.

Before the intellectual competition began, G. E. Golovina, an author of Kazakhstani school textbooks on geography and environmental studies, delivered an introductory lecture on Australia and Oceania. Galina Yevgrafovna told the young audience about the history of the discovery and exploration of the Green Continent, its topography, mineral resources, climate, inland waters, natural zones, flora, and fauna.

A special guest at the event was Oksana Mokhovikova, a dog trainer from Almaty. She introduced the children to her Australian Shepherd and spoke about the breed’s characteristics, origins, and traditional role in herding livestock.

The participants then answered geography questions designed to test their knowledge of the physical geography of Australia and Oceania.

The winners of the competition, having earned the highest scores, were Varvara Lukashova (Sunday School of the Iveron Church in Boraldai), Ivan Yershov (Church of St. John the Theologian in Almaty), Irina Golous (Church of Venerable Martyr Elizabeth in Koldi), and Mark Pylaykin (Parish of St. Seraphim of Sarov in Baikent).

All participants received board games, books, notebooks, and badges donated by the Almaty Diocesan Administration.