On November 9, 2024, a screening of the documentary film “Service,” which explores the work of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, took place at the “Jubilee” cinema in Ust-Kamenogorsk, with the blessing of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan.
The event was organized by the public foundation “Apostle” and the information department of the Ust-Kamenogorsk Diocese.
Attendees included Archbishop Amphilochius of Ust-Kamenogorsk and Semipalatinsk, Bishop Klavdian of Taldykorgan, Vicar of the Astana Diocese, Hegumen Siluan (Magilev), Dean of the Ust-Kamenogorsk Church District, Deacon Ilya Kwan, diocesan secretary, as well as representatives from the scientific and artistic communities, art historians, and journalists. The screening was attended by 120 people.
The film’s production, guided by Metropolitan Alexander’s blessing and with the participation of the “Apostle” foundation, involved a team of Kazakhstani and international experts, the administration of the Almaty Theological Seminary, and staff of the Metropolis of Kazakhstan. Filming took place in Astana, Almaty, Karaganda, and the Almaty, Akmola, and Karaganda regions throughout several months of 2023.
“Service” highlights the spiritual, educational, social, charitable, and peacemaking activities of the Orthodox Church in Kazakhstan. It also delves into interfaith dialogue and the Church’s relationship with the state and society. The film pays particular attention to the political repressions of the 20th century and the compassionate aid extended by the Kazakh people to innocent individuals exiled or imprisoned in camps within the Republic. The film features interviews with hierarchs, clergy, prominent Kazakhstani public figures, and ordinary citizens, interspersed with historical and cultural landmarks and unique scenes of Kazakhstan’s natural beauty.
The film was directed by the late renowned Russian documentarian Andrey Andreyev, who passed away on June 4, 2024. Andreyev was known for his distinctive documentaries, including “The People’s Doctor,” “Children of God,” “The Patriarchal Choir,” and the thematic series “Shepherds”: “Shepherds,” “Shepherds: Varese,” “Shepherds: Sardinia,” and “Shepherds: Milan.” His film “Shepherds” about the lives of Orthodox priests, monks, and laity in Italy won the top prize, Premio Felix, for Best Documentary at the Milan Film Festival in 2021.
An earlier screening of “Service” took place in Karaganda on October 21, where viewers highly praised the documentary.
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