Metropolitan Alexander meets with the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan A.G. Balayeva

5 March 2026. Astana. A meeting took place at the Government House between the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, and the Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Aida Galymovna Balayeva.

Also taking part in the meeting were: the Dean of the capital’s parishes, Archimandrite Sergy (Karamyshev); on behalf of the state authorities – Vice Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan K.Zh. Iskakov and Chairman of the Committee for Religious Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan A.N. Khatiyev.

After exchanging greetings, Metropolitan Alexander told the Deputy Prime Minister about the life of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District – about the Church’s social, educational and youth work in the dioceses and the activities of the Almaty Orthodox Theological Seminary. The archpastor informed Aida Galymovna about his meetings with the Akim of Astana Zh.M. Kassymbek, the Akim of Almaty D.A. Satubaldy, the Apostolic Nuncio to Kazakhstan Archbishop George Panamthundil, and the Ordinary of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Astana, Archbishop-Metropolitan Tomasz Bernard Peta.

The hierarch shared plans to hold a nationwide festival of Orthodox choral ensembles in May of this year, which will take place in Almaty under the direction of Honored Artist of Russia, member of the Patriarchal Council for the Development of Church Singing, and conductor of the Metropolitan Choir O.N. Ovchinnikov.

During the conversation, the participants discussed the activities of the traditional confessions of Kazakhstan aimed at fostering an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect in society, strengthening moral foundations, and countering extremism and terrorism.

It was noted that, in conditions of increasing geopolitical tension, in order to prevent escalation and the spread of international and interethnic conflicts, it is necessary to intensify the participation of religious leaders in the development of socio-political dialogue and the preservation of unity and harmony throughout the world.

The interlocutors noted the importance of the visit to Astana of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, which took place in September of last year. In their mutual opinion, an important public event that generated a positive public response was the meeting between the Head of State K.-Zh.K. Tokayev and His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, during which, for his contribution to strengthening spiritual ties between peoples and as a sign of special respect, the Head of State awarded him the country’s highest decoration – the Order of Altyn Qyran (“Golden Eagle”). The archpastor expressed words of gratitude to Aida Galymovna for her kind participation in the organization and conduct of the Patriarchal visit.

The interlocutors considered a wide range of issues, including the role of the mass media in preserving stability and ensuring security in society, as well as the importance of work aimed at countering disinformation and provocative statements on social networks that sow interconfessional and interethnic discord.

The meeting also addressed the relevance and timeliness of constitutional reforms in light of rapid technological development and changing global trends. “The new Constitution will determine the long-term trajectory of the country’s development and reflects society’s demand for justice, legality and equal opportunities,” A.G. Balayeva noted in particular.

The Metropolitan emphasized that Orthodox believers consistently maintain an active civic position and take an active part in referendums and voting on the most significant issues of national, regional or local importance.

At the conclusion of the meeting, which took place in a friendly and businesslike atmosphere, the archpastor and the Deputy Prime Minister exchanged wishes of health and success in their labors for the benefit of Kazakhstan.