Metropolitan Alexander Visited the Social Protection Center of the Kazakhstan Metropolis

On 19 November 2025, in the village of Tuymebayev, Almaty Region, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan visited the Orthodox Mercy Home – the social protection center of the Kazakhstan Metropolis, which includes the Solnyshko orphanage and a shelter for the elderly.

The Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan was accompanied by: rector of the Almaty Theological Seminary and head of the Information and Publishing Department of the Metropolis, Archpriest Evgeny Ivanov; rector of the Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian, Priest Andrey Shklyar; head of the administrative secretariat of the Metropolis, Priest Georgy Sidorov; and president of the public foundation “Eleos-Meirim”, V.M. Kapsamun.

The hierarch and guests were welcomed by: spiritual father of the Mercy Home in honor of St. Sergius of Radonezh in the village of Tuymebayev, Priest Andrey Raspopin; director of the private institution Center for Supporting Children in Difficult Life Situations, D.A. Lochukov; chairwoman of the board of trustees, I.G. Smirnova; director of the shelter for the elderly, T.N. Kravtsova; staff and residents of the social protection center of the Kazakhstan Metropolis.

Upon arrival, Metropolitan Alexander together with representatives of the board of trustees visited the children of the Solnyshko orphanage. The Head of the Metropolis wished the children the fulfillment of good hopes and joyful spirits. At present, the diocesan social protection center, which houses 42 children, is served by a large team of qualified specialists working with various age groups, with “difficult” adolescents, and with children with disabilities. His Eminence warmly thanked all those who labor for the orphans in the diocesan social protection center, after which he spoke with teachers, educators, staff, and medical personnel.

The hierarch, together with the accompanying persons, then visited the elderly residents receiving care in the palliative therapy ward, where 30 people are assisted. The total number of residents of the nursing home is 60. The archpastor spoke with those living in the social institution and wished them strength of soul and body.

Priest Andrey Raspopin informed Metropolitan Alexander and the guests about the large-scale renovation works carried out in the buildings of the Solnyshko orphanage and the shelter for the elderly – the replacement of the roof, the reconstruction of the kitchen block, library, and hall, as well as interior refurbishment. The major renovation was carried out with the support of the public foundation “Eleos-Meirim” (president – V.M. Kapsamun).

The metropolitan inspected the residential buildings, the territory, the service structures, as well as the Belarus tractor donated by the “Eleos-Meirim” foundation, necessary for agricultural and loading-unloading work.

The hierarch and accompanying persons then offered a prayer in the house church dedicated to the Holy Martyrs Grand Duchess Elizabeth and Nun Barbara, after which they venerated their holy relics.

The Head of the Metropolis familiarized himself with the renovation plan for the palliative care ward of the nursing home and gave it a positive assessment.

A group photograph was taken to commemorate the visit.