Metropolitan Alexander Met with the Vatican Ambassador, Archbishop George Panamthundil

December 22, 2025. 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 the Dean of the capital’s parishes, Archimandrite Sergiy (Karamyshev).

Metropolitan Alexander congratulated the Vatican ambassador on the approaching feast of the Nativity of Christ, which the Catholic Church celebrates on December 25.

The Metropolitan informed his interlocutor about significant events in the life of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District, including the celebration of the 225th anniversary of the birth of the first hierarch of the land of Turkestan, the Apostle of the Great Steppe, Archbishop Sophonias (Sokolsky); his archpastoral visits to the Shymkent and Karaganda dioceses; and meetings with Kazakhstani parliamentarians, regional and municipal authorities, and heads of diplomatic missions.

The Nuncio told His Eminence about the visit to the Vatican by the Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Maulen Sagatkhanovich Ashimbayev, during which he met with Pope Leo XIV and took part in a round table devoted to interreligious cooperation and the challenges of the modern world.

During the conversation, issues concerning the interaction of religion, the state, and society in strengthening the institution of the family were discussed. The participants noted the positive role of traditional confessions in social processes, in affirming public morality, in building peace and concord in civil society, and in preventing manifestations of interethnic discord.

The parties exchanged views on the state of inter-Christian and interreligious dialogue in Kazakhstan, expressing mutual satisfaction with the current situation and assessing prospects for its development as positive.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Metropolitan Alexander and Archbishop George wished one another health and success in their labors.

The meeting was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere.