Head of the Metropolitan District Meets with the Vatican Ambassador, Archbishop George Panamthundil

20 February 2026 – Astana. At the invitation of the Ambassador of the Vatican to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan visited the Apostolic Nunciature, where he met with the Apostolic Nuncio in Kazakhstan, Archbishop George Panamthundil.

Also present at the meeting were Archimandrite Sergius (Karamyshev), Dean of the parishes of the capital, and members of the nunciature staff.

Metropolitan Alexander congratulated the Vatican ambassador on the beginning of the Lenten season according to the Catholic calendar.

The archpastor informed the nuncio about the life of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District, which this year is marking several significant historical anniversaries: the 25th anniversary of the uncovering of the relics of the heavenly patrons of Kazakhstan, the Hieromartyrs Seraphim and Theognostus of Almaty; the 200th anniversary of the birth of the distinguished spiritual enlightener Bishop Alexander (Kulchitsky) of Turkestan and Tashkent; and the 80th anniversary of the return to the Orthodox Church of the Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, one of the oldest churches of the Southern capital. The metropolitan noted that in connection with these commemorations, scientific and educational, cultural, and youth events will be held in all the dioceses of Kazakhstan.

One of the topics discussed was the second stage of the exhibition in Kazakhstan dedicated to the unique historical and archaeological relic known as the Shroud of Turin, 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. It is expected that in 2026 the exhibition will be held in Petropavlovsk, Karaganda, and Almaty.

Archbishop George Panamthundil informed the metropolitan of his participation in the recent presentation in Astana of the book “The Pope and the Grand Imam: A Thorny Path – A Document Testifying to the Birth of Human Fraternity,” devoted to the theme of interreligious and intercultural dialogue at the global level. The work of the Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Elders, M. Abdelsalam, translated into several languages, offers reflections, analytical conclusions, and philosophical assessments that reveal the essence and significance of the “Document on Human Fraternity,” signed on 4 February 2019 in Abu Dhabi during the meeting of Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayeb of Egypt. The interlocutors emphasized that support for such initiatives by the leadership of Kazakhstan creates a solid foundation for strengthening peace, harmony, and cooperation both within the country and on the international stage, confirming the Republic’s commitment to the ideals of human fraternity and global stability.

The participants in the meeting also addressed a number of issues concerning the interaction of religion, state, and society in strengthening the institution of the family and noted the positive role of traditional confessions in social processes and in upholding public morality.

Metropolitan Alexander informed his interlocutor about a special service to be celebrated on 21 February at the Ascension Cathedral in Almaty – a children’s Divine Liturgy at which youth choirs from parish Sunday schools of the Southern capital, as well as guests from Moscow, the children’s choral studio “Tsarevich,” will sing.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties exchanged wishes of health and success in their labors.

The meeting took place in a warm and cordial atmosphere.