Honored Worker of Higher Professional Education Mikhail N. Kuznetsov Awarded the “Algys” (Gratitude) Order of the Metropolis of Kazakhstan

July 25, 2025 – Moscow. A meeting took place between Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, and Doctor of Law, Professor, and Honored Worker of Higher Professional Education Mikhail Nikolayevich Kuznetsov.

The hierarch congratulated Mikhail Nikolayevich on a significant date – the 85th anniversary of his birth.

In recognition of his many merits and on the occasion of this milestone date, Metropolitan Alexander awarded the jubilarian with the highest decoration of the Metropolis of Kazakhstan – the Algys (“Gratitude”) Order.

Presenting the award, the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan said in particular: “For many years, dear Mikhail Nikolayevich, you have labored in the legal field, exemplifying the highest level of professionalism, and devotedly and selflessly serving the Fatherland. You have dedicated your life to a noble vocation – upholding justice, defending innocent people, and combating extremism and radicalism. As a sincerely believing person, in all your various endeavors you have consistently followed the Gospel word and adhered to the commandment of the Apostle Paul: ‘Overcome evil with good’ (Romans 12:21). A significant portion of your many years of work has been devoted to defending the legitimate interests of the Russian Orthodox Church. You have actively participated in the return of numerous churches to the Orthodox faithful, in the revival of desecrated shrines, in opposing blasphemous attacks on archpastors and pastors, and in the inclusion of theological scholarship into the national educational system.”

Congratulating the jubilarian, the Head of the Metropolis added:

“I would especially like to highlight your contribution to the preservation of traditional moral values in Russia and abroad, your concern for the spiritual health of the younger generation, and your struggle for the recognition of the right to life from the moment of conception. Without exaggeration, one can say that it is largely thanks to you that a nationwide ban was enacted on the promotion of moral permissiveness, along with strict limitations on actions aimed at undermining the ideals of the traditional family.”

During the meeting, the metropolitan spoke with his guest about the life of the Orthodox Church in Kazakhstan and the activities of the Metropolis’ Representation in Moscow. They also discussed the upcoming Patriarchal visit to Kazakhstan by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’, who is expected to arrive in Astana this September at the invitation of the head of state K.-Zh.K. Tokayev to take part in the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.

Mikhail Nikolayevich congratulated Metropolitan Alexander on the 15th anniversary of his leadership of the Metropolis of Kazakhstan and the 50th anniversary of his church service, noting the special contribution of the Orthodox Church to the strengthening of spiritual, cultural, and humanitarian ties between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan.

At the conclusion of the meeting, which took place in a warm atmosphere, Metropolitan Alexander and Professor M.N. Kuznetsov exchanged good wishes for health and success in their respective endeavors.