Meeting of the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan with the Akim of the Capital Zh.M. Kassymbek

August 1, 2025. Astana. A meeting took place at the city akimat between the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, and the Akim of the metropolis, Zhenis Makhmudovich Kassymbek.

The meeting was attended by the dean of the Astana church district, Archimandrite Sergy (Karamyshev).

Metropolitan Alexander informed the akim of the current events in the life of the Astana diocese and the capital’s deanery district, particularly about the opening of an exhibition at the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation dedicated to a unique historical and archaeological relic – the Shroud of Turin. The hierarch reported to the head of the city’s executive authority that the event was honored by the presence of the Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan A.G. Balaeva, the Chair of the Committee on Socio-Cultural Development and Science of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.B. Zhusip, representatives of the diplomatic corps and leaders of traditional confessions, as well as figures from the fields of science and culture.

Z.M. Kassymbek shared information with Metropolitan Alexander about the work of the akimat. He noted that ongoing efforts continue in Astana regarding urban improvement, landscaping, and road repairs that have been carried out since spring.

The Head of the Metropolitan District and the Akim of the capital discussed the preliminary program of the upcoming Primatial visit of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’, who is scheduled to visit Kazakhstan in September of this year at the invitation of the Head of State K.-Zh.K. Tokayev and will take part in the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.

During the meeting, matters of cooperation between the Astana diocese of the Metropolitan District and the administration of Astana were also considered.

One of the significant topics of discussion was the construction in the metropolis of a spiritual, cultural, and educational center with a church dedicated to All Saints who shone forth in the land of Kazakhstan, being established with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill and the approval of the President of the country. It was noted that the educational center and Orthodox church being created in the capital – alongside the complex of the central mosque, the largest in the Republic – will become a visible embodiment of the spiritual strength of the people of Kazakhstan, their unity, and loyalty to their historical and cultural heritage. It is expected that in September, during his Primatial visit, the newly built church will be consecrated by the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church.

At the conclusion of the meeting, which took place in a cordial atmosphere, the parties exchanged wishes of health and success in their labors.