July 14, 2026. Alma-Ata. With the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’, Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church, the opening ceremony of the International Youth Volleyball Tournament took place at the Baganashil Sports Complex.
The event is organized by the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan in cooperation with the Eleos-Meirim Public Foundation (President – Valery M. Kapsamun).
The tournament is dedicated to two significant anniversaries: the 25th anniversary of the uncovering of the relics of the Holy Hieromartyrs Seraphim and Theognostus of Alma-Ata and the 30th anniversary of the revival of the Aksai Hermitage.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan.
Fourteen teams, bringing together more than 150 young athletes from the dioceses of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District, the Alma-Ata Orthodox Theological Seminary, as well as Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, are participating in the tournament.
Among the honored guests were: O.N. Ovchinnikov, Secretary of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District, Honored Worker of Kazakhstan and Honored Artist of the Russian Federation; Bishop Gennady of Kaskelen, Vicar of the Diocese of Astana; N.M. Kikimov, Head of the Almaty City Department for Religious Affairs; A.Zh. Shpekbayev, President of the Almaty Volleyball Federation; A.G. Batalov, Honorary President of the Volleyball Federation of the Southern Capital; and Major General P.M. Novikov, President of the Baganashil Sports and Recreation Complex.
The tournament’s panel of referees is headed by T.A. Pyurova, an International Master of Sport.
Before the start of the competition, Metropolitan Alexander addressed those gathered with words of greeting:
“Youth sporting competitions form an important part of the spiritual, moral, and patriotic education of the younger generation. The Church of Christ teaches us that strength must never become an instrument of evil or a means of self-glorification. A true athlete is not one who simply surpasses others, but one who has learned to conquer himself—his habits and emotions, selfishness and sloth. As Sacred Scripture beautifully states in the Book of Proverbs: ‘He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city’ (Proverbs 16:32). Therefore, it is of great importance that our tournament pursues not only sporting excellence but also higher goals: nurturing in young people a love for their homeland and its holy places, and inspiring a healthy and virtuous way of life.
I express my sincere gratitude to the organizers of this event, the coaches, mentors, and all the participants. I offer special thanks to the Eleos-Meirim Public Foundation, headed by its President, Valery M. Kapsamun. May Christ our Savior, through the prayers of the Holy Hieromartyrs whom we honor today, grant His abundant mercy to us all and bless the land of Kazakhstan. I wish every athlete success.”
The Head of the Almaty City Department for Religious Affairs, N.M. Kikimov, also welcomed the organizers and participants, noting:
“Such sporting initiatives are of particular importance because they unite people of different generations around the values of a healthy lifestyle, mutual respect, and friendship. It is especially symbolic that this tournament is being held in a city known for peace, social harmony, and interreligious dialogue. Mutual respect and cooperation remain the firm foundation of the unity of our society.”
Words of greeting were likewise offered by A.Zh. Shpekbayev, President of the Almaty Volleyball Federation; A.G. Batalov, Honorary President of the Volleyball Federation of the Southern Capital; and Major General P.M. Novikov, President of the Baganashil Sports and Recreation Complex.
Archpriest Kirill Shklyar, rector of Sts. Peter and Paul Church, read the address of Valery M. Kapsamun, President of the Eleos-Meirim Public Foundation. In particular, the message stated:
“On behalf of the Eleos-Meirim Public Charitable Foundation, and personally, I warmly welcome you all to the opening of this youth volleyball tournament dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the uncovering of the honorable relics of the Holy Venerable Martyrs Seraphim and Theognostus.
Today’s competition is much more than a sporting event. It is a testimony that Orthodox youth know how to unite around good works, honor the traditions of their Church, and strive for growth not only spiritually but physically as well.
Through the witness of their lives, the Holy Hieromartyrs Seraphim and Theognostus demonstrated unwavering faith, love for Christ, courage, and self-sacrifice. Their lives remind each of us that true strength is born not in superiority over another person, but in overcoming one’s own weaknesses—in remaining faithful to God, respecting one’s neighbor, and living according to one’s conscience.
These are the very values we seek to pass on to young people through events such as this. Sport develops character, discipline, mutual support, responsibility, and respect for one’s opponent. I sincerely thank everyone who contributed to organizing this tournament: the clergy, organizers, coaches, referees, volunteers, and our partners. My special gratitude goes to all the participants whose presence makes today’s celebration truly joyful and alive.
May this day bring new friendships, brotherly fellowship, fair competition, and lasting memories. May the strongest team prevail, but even more importantly, may every participant gain new friends, strengthen his character, and experience the joy of unity.”
Metropolitan Alexander presented Letters of Appreciation to the distinguished guests of the tournament.
The opening ceremony concluded with the presentation of the participating teams and the performance of the national anthems of the countries represented at the tournament.
A group photograph was taken to commemorate the occasion.
The group stage of the competition is taking place on July 14, while the playoff matches, third-place match, and championship final will be held on July 15.
On July 16, all participants will make a pilgrimage to the Aksai Hermitage, where they will take part in the spiritual celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the uncovering of the relics of the Holy Hieromartyrs Seraphim and Theognostus of Alma-Ata and the 30th anniversary of the revival of the monastery. With the blessing of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, the festive divine service will be presided over by Bishop Gennady of Kaskelen, Vicar of the Diocese of Astana.
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