Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan A.G. Balaeva Met with Guests of the Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Astana Diocese

September 28, 2024. Astana. Aida Ghalymovna Balaeva, Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, visited the Spiritual, Cultural, and Administrative Center of the Metropolitan District of Kazakhstan, named after Saints Cyril and Methodius, Equals-to-the-Apostles.

In the fireplace hall, the Minister, who oversees religious affairs, held a meeting with the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, as well as the guests of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Astana Diocese—Metropolitan Benjamin of Minsk and Zaslavl, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, and Metropolitan Evgeny of Yekaterinburg and Verkhoturye, member of the Higher Church Council of the Russian Orthodox Church and Chairman of the Synodal Department of Religious Education and Catechesis.

A.G. Balaeva was accompanied by Vice Minister of Culture and Information, Kanat Zhumabayevich Iskakov.

Participating in the meeting were: Secretary of the Metropolitan District of Kazakhstan, Honored Artist of Russia, and member of the Patriarchal Council for the Development of Russian Church Singing, O.N. Ovchinnikov; Dean of the parishes of the capital, Archimandrite Sergiy (Karamyshev); Acting Rector of the Almaty Orthodox Theological Seminary and Head of the Information Department of the Metropolitan District, Protopriest Evgeny Ivanov; Head of the Administrative Secretariat of the Head of the Metropolitan District, Priest Georgy Sidorov; Head of the Metropolitan’s Protocol Service, Protodeacon Roman Golovin; and President of the "Apostle" Foundation, G.G. Sosnovsky.

Aida Ghalymovna warmly congratulated Metropolitan Alexander, the guest hierarchs, and the participants on the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Astana Diocese and the arrival of the relics of Blessed Matrona of Moscow in the capital. The Minister noted that Saint Matrona is well known and loved in Kazakhstan not only by Orthodox Christians but also by representatives of other traditional faiths. It was mutually agreed that events such as the arrival of renowned holy relics encourage Kazakhstani citizens to reflect on enduring spiritual and moral values and serve as a testament to the unique atmosphere of interethnic peace and interreligious harmony that distinguishes the Republic.

A.G. Balaeva delivered a greeting to Metropolitan Alexander, who celebrated the 35th anniversary of his episcopal consecration:

"For many years, the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, under your leadership, has been a reliable partner of the state in strengthening interfaith harmony and promoting interreligious dialogue. Your efforts hold great significance for millions of Orthodox believers in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Through your active involvement, new churches have been built, and historical sanctities have been revived in Kazakhstan.

The Church continuously cares for those in need, significantly contributing to the strengthening of spirituality, peace, and harmony in society, educating the youth on a solid foundation of traditional moral values, and fostering harmony in interreligious relations.

Please accept my warmest wishes for health, happiness, strength, and vitality in all your labors for the benefit of the Russian Orthodox Church and all our people! May your good deeds bring pure faith and kind hope to all, awakening mercy, compassion, and the desire to care for others and do good deeds. May your spiritual wisdom and rich life experience continue to serve the strengthening of unity in our society.

I express my deepest gratitude to the Orthodox community of Kazakhstan for their significant contribution to the development and prosperity of our homeland!"

The Minister presented the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan with a gift—a painting featuring a landscape of Southern Kazakhstan.

During the conversation with the guests, Aida Ghalymovna emphasized that the Ministry of Culture and Information maintains a partnership with the country's religious organizations, including the Orthodox Church. A wide range of issues was discussed at the meeting, including the role of the media in maintaining stability and ensuring security in society, as well as the importance of efforts aimed at countering disinformation and provocative statements on social media that incite interfaith and interethnic discord.

At the conclusion of the meeting, which took place in a friendly atmosphere, the archpastors and the Minister exchanged well-wishes for health and success in their endeavors.