Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan meets with the Mayor of the capital Zh. M. Kassymbek

September 10, 2025. Astana. At the city hall of the capital, a meeting took place between the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, and the Mayor of the metropolis, Zhenis Makhmudovich Kassymbek.

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

The Head of the Metropolitan District and the Mayor of the capital discussed the preliminary program of the upcoming Primatial visit of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’, who will visit Kazakhstan in September of this year at the invitation of the Head of State K.-Zh. K. Tokayev. During the visit, the Patriarch will take part in the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and celebrate the Divine Liturgy at the Assumption Cathedral of Astana.

The main topic of the meeting was the discussion of 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. The project is being created with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill and with the approval of the President of the country. It was noted that the educational center and Orthodox church, being built in the capital alongside the central mosque complex—the largest in the Republic—will become a visible embodiment of the spiritual strength of the people of Kazakhstan, their unity, and fidelity to their historical and cultural heritage. The newly built church will be consecrated by the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church during his visit.

The parties also discussed current themes of the President of Kazakhstan’s address to the people of the country, which he delivered at the joint session of the chambers of Parliament on September 8. In his address, Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich once again emphasized that the distinguishing features of Kazakh society have always been openness and tolerance—fundamental values underlying the unity and harmony of the people. By mutual opinion, the unique model of friendly relations among people will be the guarantee of the Republic’s future successes in the economy, social sphere, and international diplomacy.

The meeting also considered issues of cooperation between the Astana diocese of the Metropolitan District and the administration of Astana.

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