A distinguished jurist and public figure M.N. Kuznetsov was awarded a high Patriarchal honor – the Order of the Right-believing Prince Alexander Nevsky

3 November 2025. Moscow. With the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and all Rus’, the Head of the Orthodox Church in Kazakhstan, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, presented a high church award – the Order of the Holy Right-believing Grand Prince Alexander Nevsky, 2nd class – to the prominent Russian jurist, advocate, legal scholar and public figure, Doctor of Law and Professor Mikhail Nikolaevich Kuznetsov.

By decree of His Holiness, Mikhail Nikolaevich was honored with this high church distinction for his outstanding services in preserving traditional spiritual and moral values in society and in connection with his significant personal jubilee – the 85th anniversary of his birth.

Presenting the award, the Head of the Orthodox Church in Kazakhstan, in particular, said: «For many years, dear Mikhail Nikolaevich, you have labored in the legal field, setting an example of the highest professionalism, ardent and selfless service to the Fatherland. You have devoted your life to a noble ministry – the defense of truth, the protection of innocent people, and the struggle against extremism and radicalism. Being a sincerely believing person, in your diverse activities you invariably follow the word of the Gospel and are guided by the commandment of the Apostle Paul: “Overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21). A significant part of your long work has been devoted to defending the lawful interests of the Russian Orthodox Church. You played an active role in the return of many churches to the Orthodox faithful, in the revival of destroyed shrines, in defending archpastors and pastors from profane attacks, and in including theological studies in the national educational system».

Congratulating the laureate, the Head of the Metropolis said: «I would especially like to emphasize your contribution to preserving traditional moral values in Russia and abroad, your care for the spiritual health of the younger generation, and your efforts in defending the right to life from the moment of conception. Without exaggeration, we may say that it is thanks to you that nationwide bans on the propaganda of moral dissolution and strict restrictions on actions aimed at destroying the ideals of the traditional family were introduced».

During the ensuing conversation, Metropolitan Alexander informed his interlocutor about the life of the Metropolis of Kazakhstan, whose main event was the visit of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill to Astana. The archpastor told M.N. Kuznetsov that, in addition to his participation in the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church consecrated the newly built Church of St. Sergius and blessed the continued development of the spiritual-educational center dedicated to All Saints Who Shone Forth in the Land of Kazakhstan; and in the Cathedral of the Dormition, in the presence of a great multitude of believers, he offered prayers before the relics of the New Martyrs and Confessors of the Church in Kazakhstan.

By mutual agreement, it was noted that an important public event was the meeting between the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev, and His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, during which, for his contribution to strengthening spiritual ties between nations and as a sign of special respect, the head of state bestowed upon him the highest award of the country – the Order «Altyn Qyran» («Golden Eagle»). Metropolitan Alexander emphasized that His Holiness Patriarch Kirill became the first religious leader to receive this order since its establishment.

Mikhail Nikolaevich congratulated His Eminence on the 15th anniversary of his service as Head of the Metropolis of Kazakhstan and the 50th anniversary of his ecclesiastical ministry, noting the special contribution of the Orthodox Church to strengthening spiritual, cultural and humanitarian ties between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan.

At the conclusion of the meeting, held in a warm atmosphere, Metropolitan Alexander and Professor M.N. Kuznetsov exchanged wishes for health and success in their labors.