Staff of the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Ust-Kamenogorsk Receive Church Awards

September 24, 2025 – Ust-Kamenogorsk Archbishop Amphilochius of Ust-Kamenogorsk and Semipalatinsk met with the staff of the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Ust-Kamenogorsk, who are concluding their diplomatic mission in the city.

The meeting took place at the Spiritual and Administrative Center of the Ust-Kamenogorsk and Semipalatinsk Diocese.

Attending the event were: Diocesan Secretary Deacon Ilya Kvan, Consul of the Russian Federation in Ust-Kamenogorsk Margarita Yuryevna Ardyakova, and Head of the Chancellery of the Consulate General Igor Nikolayevich Ardyakov.

With the blessing of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, and as a token of appreciation for their conscientious service and fruitful cooperation with the Ust-Kamenogorsk Diocese, the consulate staff were presented with ecclesiastical awards of the Metropolis.

M. Y. Ardyakova received the Order “Eñbek üşin” (“For Labors”), while I. N. Ardyakov was awarded the Medal “Beibitshilik pen kelsim” (“Peace and Harmony”). The awards were a mark of deep respect and gratitude for their efforts to strengthen fraternal ties between the peoples of Kazakhstan and Russia, and for preserving spiritual and moral values.

Presenting the ecclesiastical honors, Archbishop Amphilochius emphasized that cooperation with diplomats had always been marked by fraternal support and mutual understanding.

“The Church honors those who contribute to strengthening peace and harmony among peoples. May the Lord bless your continued service to the high ideals of international cooperation,” – said the archpastor.

In their response, representatives of the Consulate General expressed heartfelt gratitude to the archbishop for the warm reception and high appreciation of their work. The diplomats stressed that receiving these church awards was a great honor for them – a sign of friendship, trust, and spiritual unity.