The Assumption Cathedral of Astana was visited by the Governor of the Orenburg Region, E.A. Solntsev

24 February 2026. Astana. The Assumption Cathedral and the Administrative and Spiritual-Cultural Center of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District named after Saints Cyril and Methodius were visited by the Governor of the Orenburg Region of the Russian Federation, E.A. Solntsev.

In the principal church of the country, the guest, who was in Kazakhstan on an official visit, was received by: Archimandrite Sergiy (Karamyshev), Dean of the parishes of Astana; Archpriest Evgeny Korolkov, sacristan of the Seraphim Church of the capital; Priest Sergiy Dianov, assistant to the dean; and Priest Sergiy Pinigin.

Archimandrite Sergiy conducted a tour for Evgeny Alexandrovich, speaking about the construction and adornment of the cathedral, about the painting of the walls and vaults carried out by a guild of iconographers from the town of Palekh (Russia, Ivanovo Region), the creation of the carved gilded iconostasis and icon cases produced by carvers of the Feodor Stratelates Art Workshop (Russia, Kostroma) in the traditions of the seventeenth century, and adorned with icons painted by Honored Artist of the Russian Federation S.N. Sokolov. The dean of the capital emphasized that the Assumption Cathedral has been visited by prominent state, religious and public figures, including Primates and hierarchs of the Orthodox Churches, leaders of traditional confessions, presidents and heads of government.

Before the shrines of the cathedral, the Governor of the Orenburg Region lit candles.

The guest also visited the spiritual and administrative center of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan. Fr Sergiy showed E.A. Solntsev the house church dedicated to the Astana-Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God, the hall for church assemblies, offices, the meeting hall of the Synod of the Metropolitan District, the conference hall and classrooms for the Sunday school.

The conversation between the dean and the governor continued in the fireplace hall of the spiritual-cultural center.

During the discussion, Archimandrite Sergiy (Karamyshev) informed Evgeny Alexandrovich about the life of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District, provided statistical data concerning the number of dioceses, parishes and clergy, and spoke about plans of the church authorities to implement educational, cultural, youth and social projects.

At the conclusion of the meeting, which took place in a warm atmosphere, the participants exchanged good wishes and commemorative gifts.