A delegation of Kazakhstani and Russian parliamentarians visited the main church of the Ust-Kamenogorsk Diocese

September 26, 2025. Ust-Kamenogorsk. A delegation of Kazakhstani and Russian parliamentarians visiting the capital of Rudny Altai on an official visit paid a visit to the Cathedral of St. Andrew and the spiritual and administrative center of the Ust-Kamenogorsk and Semipalatinsk Diocese.

The delegation included: Senator of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zh.K. Asanov, Senator O.A. Bulavkina, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation A.V. Yatskin, Secretary of the Maslikhat of East Kazakhstan Region D.S. Rypakov, Deputy Akim of East Kazakhstan Region E.Zh. Nurgaliev, Head of the Department for Religious Affairs of East Kazakhstan Region Zh.Zh. Mekeeva, and Head of the Center for the Study of Religious Issues of East Kazakhstan Region N.Ye. Bekturov.

At the grounds of the main cathedral of Rudny Altai, the distinguished guests were received by Archbishop Amphilochius of Ust-Kamenogorsk and Semipalatinsk. During the visit, the parliamentarians became acquainted with the architecture of the Cathedral of St. Andrew and toured one of the most important monuments of spiritual and cultural heritage in the region — the Fortress Church of the Holy Trinity. This unique church, built in the 18th century, is a remarkable example of Russian ecclesiastical architecture on the territory of Kazakhstan and holds the status of an architectural monument.

The guests also visited the Church Archaeological Cabinet at the diocesan administration, where they were introduced to the history of the Orthodox Church in East Kazakhstan, the spiritual life of the region, its sacred objects, and archival materials.

At the conclusion of the visit, the members of the delegation thanked Archbishop Amphilochius for the tour and warm welcome, and expressed their hope for further strengthening of friendly ties between the peoples and confessions of Kazakhstan and Russia.