The XV Lenten Cuisine Festival Held in the Southern Capital

On March 9, 2025, the Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy, with the blessing of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, the XV Lenten Cuisine Festival was held in the church assembly hall of St. Nicholas Cathedral in the city of Almaty.

Teams representing parishes from the Southern Capital and the Almaty Region took part in the culinary forum.

Guests of the event included clergy and parishioners of Almaty churches, as well as representatives of the “Magnum Cash & Carry” retail chain.

The festival was supervised by Protopriest Igor Svetlichny, sacristan of the Church of St. Nicholas.

The goal of the culinary forum is to acquaint residents and guests of the city with the traditional observance of Great Lent and to introduce them to ancient recipes from monastic cuisine.

The program included a presentation of various Lenten dishes, beverages, and desserts. All attendees were invited to taste the diverse offerings, learn preparation techniques, receive guidance on proper Lenten observance, and engage in conversation with clergy.

Participants were evaluated by a jury across several categories. The festival concluded with an awards ceremony.

First place was awarded to the culinary team from the parish of the Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” in the village of Panfilovo, Almaty Region;

Second place went to the team from the Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in the village of Uzynagash;

Third place was taken by representatives of the Iveron–Seraphim Convent in Almaty.

All participants received gifts from the festival organizers – household appliances and sets of kitchen utensils – provided by the management of the “Magnum Cash & Carry” retail chain.