Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan Met with Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem

September 18, 2025. Astana. During the work of the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, a meeting took place between the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, and His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem.

The main topic of their communication was the discussion of the first day of the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. The interlocutors noted that the forum, which since 2003 has regularly gathered prominent religious, political, and public figures from around the world, once again demonstrated itself as a unique platform for interfaith and interethnic dialogue. In their common opinion, its activities, which constructively develop relations among leaders and prominent representatives of different cultures and religions, contribute to the unity of believers on the basis of shared moral foundations, becoming a worthy response to the crises, challenges, and destructive phenomena of the modern age. The Head of the Metropolitan District and His Beatitude emphasized the special contribution of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev to the organization and high-level holding of the Congress.

The Patriarch of Jerusalem expressed great interest in the activities of the Metropolitan District of the Russian Orthodox Church in Kazakhstan. Metropolitan Alexander answered His Beatitude’s questions concerning the history and contemporary life of Orthodoxy in the Republic. The Metropolitan spoke to Patriarch Theophilos about the interaction and cooperation in the country among representatives of different religions in strengthening interfaith peace and interethnic harmony and preserving traditional moral values.

“In our country, thanks to the wise policy of its President, K.-Zh.K. Tokayev, representatives of various nationalities, cultures, and religions live and work together in peace and harmony. The unique spirit of brotherly love and mutual respect allows the people of Kazakhstan to look to the future with optimism, to develop and strengthen the economic power of the country, and, most importantly, to build a morally strong and spiritually healthy society,” Metropolitan Alexander particularly noted.

During the conversation, the sides discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest. In particular, the discussion touched upon the situation of Christians in the Middle East, as well as the complex political situation that has developed in recent years in the Holy Land.

His Beatitude especially emphasized the spiritual courage of believers making pilgrimage to Jerusalem, noting: “Pilgrimage to the Holy City, which represents the unity of cultures and religions, is a special blessing for every Christian, especially in today’s era of globalization, spiritual hunger, and fragmentation,” said the Patriarch of Jerusalem.

The interlocutors expressed hope that through the joint efforts of political and religious leaders, a solid foundation will be created for establishing lasting peace and harmony in the Middle East, which will allow believers, including from Kazakhstan, to make pilgrimages freely to the Holy City of Jerusalem.

At the conclusion of the meeting, which was held in a friendly and warm atmosphere, Metropolitan Alexander presented Patriarch Theophilos with an icon of the New Martyrs and Confessors of Kazakhstan as a prayerful remembrance.