On September 25, 2024, at the invitation of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, the Assumption Cathedral and the administrative and spiritual-cultural center of the Metropolitan District of Kazakhstan named after Cyril and Methodius were visited by the Vice-Mayor of the city of Piraeus (Hellenic Republic), Dimitrios Arapis, along with a delegation and representatives of the Kazakhstan-Greece Business Council in Kazakhstan.
Piraeus is the fourth largest city in Greece.
The esteemed guests were greeted by Archimandrite Sergiy (Karamyshev), Dean of the Astana Church District, and Protopriest Dmitry Baydek, Keyholder of the Assumption Cathedral.
During the tour of the main cathedral of the Republic, the Dean provided the Greek delegation with information about the construction and adornment of the cathedral, the interior murals painted by a group of iconographers from the town of Palekh (Ivanovo Region, Russia) under the direction of V.K. Kurilov, a member of the Union of Artists of Russia, and the creation of the carved gilded iconostasis. The iconostasis was crafted by woodcarvers from the art-production workshop named after Theodore Stratelates in the traditions of the 17th century, and it was adorned with icons painted by the Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, S.N. Sokolov.
The guests then visited the Spiritual and Cultural Center of the Metropolitan District of Kazakhstan, where they explored the exhibits of the museum dedicated to the New Martyrs and Confessors of Kazakhstan and left entries in the guestbook of honor.
The conversation between the Dean and the Greek delegation continued in the fireplace hall of the Spiritual and Cultural Center.
During the conversation, Archimandrite Sergiy (Karamyshev) informed Dimitrios Arapis and his accompanying delegation about the life of the Metropolitan District of Kazakhstan and the Astana Diocese, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. He provided statistical data on the number of dioceses, parishes, and clergy, and shared plans from the church leadership regarding educational, cultural, youth, and social projects.
The Dean also mentioned that in response to a petition by Metropolitan Alexander, and with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, the relics of Blessed Matrona of Moscow, one of the most venerated saints among the Orthodox faithful, would arrive in Astana on September 28.
At the conclusion of the meeting, which took place in a warm atmosphere, the participants exchanged well-wishes for success in good deeds and initiatives. As a blessing from the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, Archimandrite Sergiy presented Dimitrios Arapis with a Feodorovskaya Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos.
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