Metropolitan Alexander Met with the Akim of Rudny, V.N. Ionenko

October 11, 2025. Rudny. Following the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of St. John the Theologian, a meeting took place in the cathedral residence between Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan and the Akim of the city, V.N. Ionenko.

Hieromonk Gennady (Burdyuzha), Secretary of the Kostanay Diocese, also participated in the meeting.

After the exchange of greetings, Viktor Nikolaevich thanked the archpastor for his visit and congratulated His Eminence on a significant occasion for the Orthodox faithful of the region – the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Kostanay Diocese. It was noted that the bringing of a reliquary containing a portion of the relics of the Holy Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon to the breadbasket of Kazakhstan was a precious spiritual gift for the faithful.

“Over the past 15 years, by God’s mercy and through the joint labors of clergy, monastics, and laity, ancient holy sites have been restored and continue to be renovated on the blessed and bountiful land of Kostanay. New parishes have been opened, Sunday schools for children and adults have been established, and educational and charitable initiatives have been implemented.

Nine newly built churches now adorn our northern region – among them, the Cathedral of St. John the Theologian in the second diocesan center of Rudny holds a special place for its grandeur and beauty,” said the Metropolitan.

During the conversation, the Akim acquainted Metropolitan Alexander with the life of the city of Rudny and with a modernization program consisting of four directions: the development of basic economic sectors, infrastructure improvement, urban beautification, and the advancement of social facilities. According to the head of the executive authority, Rudny accounts for 25% of the region’s industrial output – more than 17,000 people are employed across 137 enterprises.

The hierarch spoke to Viktor Nikolaevich about the recent First Hierarchal visit to Kazakhstan by the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’, who visited Astana at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev from September 16 to 18.

The Head of the Metropolitan District shared his positive impressions of the meeting between the President of the Republic and His Holiness, during which Patriarch Kirill, in recognition of his contribution to strengthening spiritual ties between the peoples of Kazakhstan and Russia and as a sign of special respect, was awarded the country’s highest honor – the Order of the Golden Eagle (Altyn Qyran).

Metropolitan Alexander emphasized that His Holiness greatly values the attention shown by the leadership of Kazakhstan, headed by K.-J.K. Tokayev, to the strengthening of Church–State cooperation and the realization of initiatives aimed at developing neighborly relations and maintaining interreligious harmony.

A separate topic of discussion was the interaction between the city administration and the Kostanay Diocese of the Metropolitan District within the framework of joint cultural and educational as well as social and charitable projects.

At the conclusion of the meeting, which was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, Metropolitan Alexander and V.N. Ionenko exchanged wishes for good health and success in their respective labors.