Your Eminence, Metropolitan Alexander!
For the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan and for all those who cherish the historical memory and spiritual heritage of our shared history, this day holds special significance.
Today, a new church dedicated to the New Martyrs of Chimkent is being consecrated in the city of Shymkent. These were people whose lives became part of the tragic history of the twentieth century, and whose faith, steadfastness, and courage have been preserved in the memory of generations.
During those years, the land of Kazakhstan became a place of exile and suffering for large numbers of people arriving here from all corners of the Soviet Union. Many of them found their final resting place here. Lisya Balka became one such place, preserving the memory of those who suffered and perished innocently.
It is particularly important that the initiative of His Holiness Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’, to commemorate the New Martyrs and Confessors of Kazakhstan received the approval and support of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev. The creation of the memorial complex at Lisya Balka stands as a testament to respect for the memory of all innocent victims of repression.
It is also significant that the spiritual traditions of Kazakhstan’s two largest religious communities — Islam and Christianity — are represented here. The establishment of Orthodox and Muslim memorials carries profound symbolic meaning: the memory of the tragic chapters of the past unites people regardless of their faith, nationality, or origin.
On behalf of the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Head of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District, the archpastors, and all the clergy for their extensive work in preserving historical memory, fostering the spiritual and moral development of the younger generation, and safeguarding our cultural heritage.
This subject is also of particular importance to Belarus. Like the peoples of Kazakhstan and Russia, the Belarusian people endured severe trials during the twentieth century. Therefore, remembering those who suffered innocently is not merely a tribute to the past; it is a moral duty to future generations.
Today, the Orthodox Church continues to play an important constructive role in society, helping to uphold traditional spiritual and moral values, mutual respect, and harmony.
I am confident that the new church will become not only a place of prayer but also an important spiritual and memorial centre, where present and future generations will be able to connect with history, honour the memory of their ancestors, and reflect on the value of peace, harmony, and human life.
Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on this momentous occasion. I wish the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District continued success in its noble ministry.
I wish you, Your Eminence, peace, goodness, and well-being, and the friendly people of Kazakhstan continued prosperity and harmony.
Respectfully,
Aleksey Bogdanov
Main
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