Head of the Metropolitan District of Kazakhstan Meets with the Akim of the Capital, Zhenis Makhmudovich Kassymbek

On March 29, 2025, a meeting took place at the city administration of Astana between Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, and the Akim of the capital, Zhenis Makhmudovich Kassymbek.

The meeting was also attended by Archimandrite Sergius (Karamyshev), Dean of the Astana Church District.

Metropolitan Alexander informed Zhenis Makhmudovich about the current events in the life of the Astana Diocese and the capital’s deanery district.

The head of the capital’s executive authority shared with Metropolitan Alexander information about the ongoing flood prevention efforts. The Akim emphasized that a total of 65,000 linear meters of irrigation and gutter systems have been cleared, over 27,000 linear meters of stormwater collectors flushed, and more than 1,340 tons of silt removed. In addition, a special civil protection unit has been established for rapid response.

During the meeting, matters of cooperation between the Astana Diocese of the Metropolitan District and the city administration of Astana were discussed.

The Head of the Metropolitan District informed Zhenis Makhmudovich of the upcoming visit of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia to the capital. His Holiness is expected to visit Kazakhstan from September 16 to 21 this year at the invitation of the Head of State, Kassym-Jomart K. Tokayev, to participate in the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and to celebrate the Divine Liturgy at the Assumption Cathedral in Astana.

One of the key topics of the meeting was the discussion of the construction of a spiritual, cultural, and educational center in the capital, along with a church dedicated to All Saints Who Shone Forth in the Land of Kazakhstan. The hierarch emphasized that the project has received the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill and the approval of the President of the country. It was noted that the new spiritual center and Orthodox church, established in the nation’s capital, along with the central mosque complex—the largest in the Republic—will serve as a visible embodiment of the spiritual strength of the people of Kazakhstan, their unity, and fidelity to their historical and cultural heritage.

At the conclusion of the meeting, which took place in a friendly atmosphere, both sides exchanged wishes for health and success in their labors.