On January 12, 2025, in Astana, a meeting took place at the residence of the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan between Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan and the Apostolic Nuncio to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Archbishop George Panamthundil.
Also present at the meeting was Archimandrite Sergy (Karamyshev), dean of the parishes in Astana.
Metropolitan Alexander and the Vatican Ambassador exchanged greetings and Christmas wishes.
Archbishop George Panamthundil informed the metropolitan that on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024, Pope Francis opened the Jubilee Doors of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, marking the beginning of the Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church—a “Holy Year of Hope.”
Metropolitan Alexander shared information about the upcoming visit of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ to Kazakhstan. The Patriarch is expected to arrive in the Republic to participate in the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, scheduled for September 17-18 of this year in Astana.
A significant topic of discussion was the planned exhibition in Kazakhstan dedicated to the unique historical and archaeological relic, the Shroud of Turin. The exhibition is being organized through the joint efforts of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, the international charitable organization Kirche in Not (“Aid to the Church in Need”), and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Astana. The exhibition will coincide with the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.
During the conversation, the parties discussed the interaction between religion, the state, and society in strengthening the institution of the family. They highlighted the positive role of traditional religious denominations in social processes, in fostering public morality, in building peace and harmony in civil society, and in preventing manifestations of interethnic discord.
The parties exchanged views on the state of inter-Christian and interfaith dialogue in Kazakhstan, expressing mutual satisfaction with the current situation and assessing its prospects for development as positive.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Metropolitan Alexander and Archbishop George wished each other good health and success in their endeavors.
The meeting took place in a warm atmosphere.
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