Meeting of the Head of the Kazakhstani Metropolitan District with the Akim of Kostanay Region, K.I. Aksakalov

October 13, 2025. Kostanay. A meeting took place at the regional akimat between the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, and the Akim (Governor) of the Kostanay Region, Kumar Irgibayevich Aksakalov.

The meeting was attended by: the Secretary of the Kostanay Diocese, Hieromonk Gennady (Burdyuzha); from the civil authorities – the Head of the Religious Affairs Department of the Kostanay Region Akimat, B.S. Bukeyev.

Kumar Irgibayevich warmly welcomed the archpastor, thanked him for the visit and for his attention to the spiritual life of the region. The head of the executive authority congratulated Metropolitan Alexander on the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Kostanay Diocese, noting the multifaceted development of church life in the region in recent years and the constructive state–church dialogue.

The Akim informed the Metropolitan about the state of affairs in the region and presented a project aimed at unlocking the potential of the Torgay region. He emphasized that the region’s favorable geographic position makes it a key transit link between Europe and Asia. According to K.I. Aksakalov, the implementation of infrastructure initiatives – such as the construction of the “Center–West” highway and the restoration of the airport in Arkalyk – will create new opportunities for investment and business.

Metropolitan Alexander spoke about the life of the Kazakhstani Metropolitan District, highlighting the recent visit of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ to Astana. In addition to his participation in the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church consecrated the newly built St. Sergius Church and blessed the continued creation of a spiritual and educational center dedicated to All Saints Who Shone Forth in the Land of Kazakhstan. At the Dormition Cathedral, in the presence of a multitude of believers, he also served a prayer service in honor of the New Martyrs and Confessors of the Church of Christ.

Both sides agreed on the significance of the meeting between the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev, and Patriarch Kirill. During this meeting, the President awarded His Holiness the nation’s highest honor – the “Altyn Qyran” (Golden Eagle) Order – in recognition of his contribution to the strengthening of spiritual ties between peoples and as a mark of profound respect. Metropolitan Alexander emphasized that Patriarch Kirill became the first religious leader to be awarded this order since its institution.

The parties gave a high assessment of President Tokayev’s peacemaking initiatives, particularly the ongoing development of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions – a major international forum held regularly in the country’s capital.

The Akim also informed the Metropolitan that President Tokayev plans to visit the Kostanay Region on a working trip later this year. In his latest Address to the Nation, the President emphasized the importance of the Torgay region and the need to prioritize its development.

The archpastor spoke to K.I. Aksakalov about the progress of restoration work at the historical diocesan shrine – the monastery in honor of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God and the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in the village of Oktyabrskoye – as well as his visit to the church under construction in the village of Vladimirovka and the consecration of the Protection of the Mother of God Church in the village of Asenkritovka.

During the conversation, it was emphasized that despite the challenges of modern times, the Republic continues to uphold its core principles of harmonious interethnic relations – with efforts being made to develop culture, strengthen moral values, and preserve the traditions and customs of the many peoples and ethnic groups living together as one big family in the common home of Kazakhstan.

At the conclusion of the meeting, which took place in a friendly atmosphere, Metropolitan Alexander and Kumar Irgibayevich exchanged warm wishes.