In the Ile-Alatau National Nature Park, a reconstructed walking route to the Aksai Skete, which was founded more than 100 years ago, was ceremoniously opened. The path was consecrated by the head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan.

Every year in early August, pilgrims from all over Kazakhstan go to the Aksai Gorge to the Holy Seraphim-Feognost Aksai Hermitage, better known as the Aksai Skete, to honor the memory of the monks and priests Seraphim and Feognost. Today, these saints are considered the patrons and protectors of the Kazakh land.

According to legend, the monks went far from the city, where the Red Army hunted the clergy. They settled in this place thanks to a miracle - the appearance of the Mother of God. The priests lived in dug caves, cultivated the land and led a reclusive lifestyle. But still, the Red Army soldiers (according to another version, bandits) reached their hermitage in 1921 and shot the priests.

In 2000, the Bishops' Council canonized these monks for universal veneration.

Since then, this hermitage has become a place of pilgrimage for the Orthodox.

The wild path to these places was improved several times, but always fell into disrepair over time.

The opening of the path after reconstruction is important not only for pilgrims, but also for tourists: the route has long been one of the most popular in the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountains among both Kazakhstanis and foreign guests. After the reconstruction, climbing Mount Kyzyl-Zhar has become much easier, more convenient and safer.

Before the opening ceremony of the trail, the Metropolitan of Astana held a festive liturgy in honor of the appearance of the Mother of God on Mount Kyzyl-Zhar. The solemn religious event attracted many believers from all over Kazakhstan to the hermitage.

In addition to Metropolitan Alexander, the ceremonial ribbon was cut by the director of the Aksai branch of the State National Nature Park, Nurlanov Bakhtiyar, and the head of the public foundation "Apostol" Georgy Sosnovsky.

Metropolitan of Astana and Kazakhstan Alexander blessed the path and addressed the pilgrims after the solemn liturgy.

"This monastery was created on blessed, sacred land. People's memory has preserved legends that the ascetics found it thanks to a special order from above. Where the monastery now stands, the holy fathers once saw a miraculous radiance of unearthly light. It is also worth noting that this reconstructed path will play a major role in the development of tourism. I hope that even more pilgrims from all over Kazakhstan and the world will visit these sacred places," said Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan.

The trail is 1,600 meters long and consists of 1,580 steps. Previously, the ascent to the Aksay Skete was recommended for tourists and pilgrims with serious physical training. After its reconstruction, the path became noticeably easier, now it is accessible to the elderly and children.

The trail is an ideal route for a weekend walk. It passes through a dense coniferous forest. On the panoramic platform, located at the highest point of the hermitage, you can enjoy a stunning view of the gorge, snow-capped peaks, slopes strewn with fir trees and the remains of the Akzhar collapse, which is a trace of the powerful earthquake of May 28, 1887.

The total length of the route is 1.5 km, the altitude at which the monastery is located is 1850 meters, and the road from the eco-post to the monastery stretches for 5 km. Pilgrims are not afraid of such a long distance. Dozens of believers come to the sacred place every day.

Very often tourists stop for the night in these sacred places. On the mountain Kyzyl-Zhar you can see many tent camps.

When visiting the hermitage, it is worth remembering the rules. Smoking, drinking alcohol, bringing dogs, littering, lighting fires, and noise are prohibited on the territory. Women must enter the monastery with their heads covered and in skirts, not trousers or jeans.

Contacts:

Address: 050002, Almaty, Medeu district, Ashimbaeva street 26

Phone: +7 777 333 6003

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ORTHODOX CHURСH OF KAZAKHSTAN

For tourists and pilgrims: after reconstruction, a walking route to the Aksay Skete has been opened

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