Representatives of the Metropolitan District Take Part in the Opening of a Turin Shroud Exhibition in Karaganda

August 23, 2026. Karaganda. A spiritual and educational exhibition entitled “The Turin Shroud – Searching for Traces” opened at the Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Fatima.

The exhibition was organized by the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Karaganda in cooperation with the Sovereign Order of Malta and the international charitable foundation Kirche in Not (Aid to the Church in Need).

With the blessing of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, representatives of the Metropolitan District took part in the opening ceremony: Hieromonk Dimitry (Baidek), Personal Secretary to the Metropolitan; Archpriest Dimitry Patrikeyev, Secretary of the Karaganda Diocese; and Priest Vyacheslav Shkuropat, Head of the Missionary Department of the Karaganda Diocese.

Attending the ceremonial opening were: Bishop Adelio Dell’Oro of the Roman Catholic Church; Yevgeniy Zinkovsky, Auxiliary Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Karaganda; P.V. Gumenyuk, Head of the Russia, Central Asia and Caucasus Department of the international charitable foundation Kirche in Not and co-founder of the exhibition; D.S. Poltarenko, moderator of the Club of Religious Associations of the Karaganda Region; S.A. Kurmanov, Deputy Imam of the Bala Qajy Mosque in Karaganda; clergy of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Karaganda; members of the city’s academic and cultural communities; and journalists representing state and private media outlets.

During the opening ceremony, Hieromonk Dimitry (Baidek) read out a message of greeting from Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan to the participants and guests of the exhibition:

“We are becoming participants in an event of great cultural and spiritual significance – the opening of the unique exhibition ‘The Turin Shroud – Searching for Traces.’ This exhibition introduces visitors to the history and scientific study of the famous archaeological artifact, which is often referred to as the ‘Fifth Gospel.’ As a unique relic, from ancient times to the present day it has attracted the attention of members of the academic community and countless pilgrims, awakening interest in the study of Holy Scripture and Biblical history.

“Thanks to the joint efforts of representatives of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese in Astana, the Order of Malta and the international charitable foundation Kirche in Not, residents of Karaganda now have a remarkable opportunity to see an exact replica of the Shroud and learn detailed information and little-known facts about this mysterious relic. I am confident that every visitor to the exhibition will discover much of interest, broaden their horizons and gain enriching impressions for both heart and soul. Undoubtedly, the presentation of the ‘Turin Shroud’ exhibition in Karaganda and other cities of the Republic will make an important contribution to the development of interfaith and intercultural dialogue and serve the noble cause of strengthening peace and harmony in society,” the Head of the Metropolitan District stated in his message.

The attendees then proceeded to the exhibition hall, where an exact replica of the Turin Shroud was displayed alongside thematic information panels, historical artifacts, video materials and illustrated brochures devoted to the study of the relic. Specialists had also recreated a replica of the crown of thorns, the instruments of Christ’s Passion and the type of nails used in crucifixions in the first century.

The event concluded with a press briefing, during which the exhibition’s guests answered questions from journalists representing state and private media outlets.