Patriarchal Message on the 225th Anniversary of the Birth of Archbishop Sofony (Sokolsky) of Turkestan and Tashkent

August 6, 2025. His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ sent a congratulatory message to the clergy and faithful of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Metropolitan District in the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Central Asian Metropolitan District on the occasion of the 225th anniversary of the birth of Archbishop Sofony (Sokolsky) of Turkestan and Tashkent, the first hierarch of the Turkestan Diocese:

To His Eminence, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan

To His Eminence, Metropolitan Vikenty of Tashkent and Uzbekistan

To the clergy and faithful of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Metropolitan District in the Republic of Kazakhstan and in the Central Asian Metropolitan District

Right Reverend archpastors, venerable fathers, dear brothers and sisters!

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you on this significant occasion – the 225th anniversary of the birth of Archbishop Sofony (Sokolsky) of Turkestan and Tashkent, the first hierarch of the Turkestan Diocese.

Prior to his appointment in 1871 to the newly established diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church, he diligently labored for many years in the field of spiritual education, as well as in church diplomacy and enlightenment ministry in Rome and Constantinople, Armenia and Georgia.

His constructive work in establishing and developing diocesan life over the vast territory of Central Asia was remarkably multifaceted. Tirelessly traveling across the boundless expanse of the Great Steppe, visiting remote cities and villages, the archpastor, with inspired word and personal example of piety, kindled in people’s hearts the love of Christ, strengthened and supported them in trials, and nurtured them in faithfulness to the Holy Church.

During six years of ministry in Turkestan, Archbishop Sofony built more than thirty churches, showing himself in all things as a model of good works (Titus 2:7) and, like the apostles, preached the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness (Acts 28:31).

While forming strong Orthodox communities in the newly founded diocese, the archpastor also cared about maintaining good-neighborly relations among people of different nationalities and religions.

The Orthodox faithful of Kazakhstan and Central Asia have always preserved a reverent memory of Archbishop Sofony, calling him the “Apostle of the Great Steppe.” His zealous ministry continues to serve as an inspiring example for us and provides clear moral and spiritual guidance in life.

Sharing the joy of this celebration with all of you, I prayerfully wish that you remain diligent in spirit (Romans 12:11), faithful to Christ and the Church, and grow in righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness (1 Timothy 6:11).

I invoke God’s blessing upon you and your labors.

+KIRILL PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUS’