Metropolitan Alexander met with students of the football academy of FC «Spartak»

26 March 2026. Alma-Ata. Students of the football academy of FC «Spartak» (Moscow) visited the St Sophia Cathedral of the Iversky-Seraphim convent.

The young footballers, born in 2013 and led by coach A.D. Khodykin, arrived in the Southern capital to take part in the international tournament «Nauryz Cup», dedicated to the state holiday of Kazakhstan, Nauryz Meyramy.

The guests were accompanied by a cleric of the Ascension Cathedral of Alma-Ata, Archpriest Alexander Ievlev. Father Alexander spoke about the history of the church and the shrines of the monastery.

A meeting between Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan and the young athletes took place in the cathedral.

The archpastor imparted his blessing to those gathered, spoke about the implementation in Kazakhstan of spiritual-educational and youth projects, and mentioned the participation of pupils of Sunday schools of the Metropolitan District in the International Sports Games named after the Holy Right-Believing Prince Alexander Nevsky and the International Forum «Faith and Sport», held in St Petersburg.

The Head of the Metropolitan District emphasized that sport is necessary for a young person for physical development and the strengthening of bodily powers; however, it is important that sporting achievements be combined with the acquisition of firm spiritual and moral foundations. «Cultivate in yourselves the best qualities of the soul, and the Lord God will help you in all the paths of your life», the Metropolitan said.

The hierarch shared memories of his own involvement in sports in his youth and of the organization over a number of years by the Synodal Department for Youth Affairs of the Russian Orthodox Church of youth hockey competitions «Golden Puck».

A.D. Khodykin thanked the Metropolitan for the warm reception and the opportunity for meaningful conversation, spoke about his sporting career, the specifics of working with the youth team of «Spartak», and his impressions of visiting the Southern capital of Kazakhstan – Alma-Ata.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan wished the young men strength of spirit, God’s help in spiritual and moral growth, and presented them with commemorative gifts.