Congratulatory Message to His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia on His Name Day from Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan

24 May 2025 – Feast of the Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles Cyril and Methodius, Teachers of the Slavs – the Name Day of the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.

The Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, sent His Holiness a congratulatory message, which reads:

Your Holiness,

CHRIST IS RISEN!

In these holy Paschal days, please accept my heartfelt congratulations on your Name Day – the commemoration of the Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles Cyril and Methodius, Teachers of the Slavs.

You bear the sacred name of one of the brothers from Thessalonica, continuing his work of enlightening our people with the light of Christ’s Truth at the various stages of your long and dedicated service. Through the labors and spiritual feats of Saints Cyril and Methodius, the Slavic peoples embraced Holy Orthodoxy more than a thousand years ago. In the likeness of your Heavenly Patrons, Your Holiness, through your tireless Primatial labors, you have brought to life unprecedented processes of renewal and growth across all spheres of church life.

By the example of your own life – truly ascetic in its devotion – you inspire archpastors, clergy, and laity alike to offer selfless service to the Mother Church.

The episcopate, clergy, monastics, and faithful of the Orthodox Metropolitan District of Kazakhstan “with one heart and one voice” (Rom. 15:6) lift up prayers to the saints who have shone forth in the land of Kazakhstan, asking that the Lord may grant you His abundant grace to strengthen you in your lofty and responsible Primatial ministry for the good of the Holy Russian Orthodox Church.

Many, good, and blessed years to you!

INDEED, CHRIST IS RISEN!