A memorial plaque was unveiled in honor of the 170th anniversary of the founding of the oldest temple in the Kazakh capital

June 2, 2024. Astana. At the end of the Divine Liturgy, a memorial plaque was consecrated in the Church of Constantine and Helena.

The solemn event was headed by Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan.

A memorial sign on the wall of the oldest church in the capital of the Republic was installed in memory of the 170th anniversary of its founding.

The text on the plaque of the temple reads: “In memory of the 170th anniversary of the founding of the Constantine-Elenin Cathedral in the city of Astana. 1854 – 2024.”

The event was attended by: the dean of the parishes of the capital, Archimandrite Sergius (Karamyshev), the clergyman of the Constantine-Elenin Cathedral, Archpriest Sergius Kaliev, the confessor of the convent in honor of the icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost,” Hieromonk Modest (Drozdov), clergy of the deanery, teachers and students of the parish Sunday school, parishioners and guests of the holiday.

Present at the opening of the memorial sign were: Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan O.V. Perepechina, Chairman of the Committee on Religious Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan E. Nukezhanov, Deputy Akim of the city of Astana E.B. Baiken, representatives of public organizations and ethnocultural associations, scientific and creative intelligentsia.

At the end of the service in the Church of Constantine and Helena, Metropolitan Alexander, with the clergy and numerous believers, proceeded in a procession to the vestibule of the church, where he consecrated the memorial plaque.

Opening the memorial sign, the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan said: “Happy is the person who lives next to the temple of God! He lives near Heaven, near Paradise, near salvation,” says Saint Ignatius (Brianchaninov). Orthodox people at all times could not imagine their lives without a church. Both the majestic metropolitan cathedrals and small rural churches have always represented “Heaven on earth” for the believing heart, reminded of eternity, and given joy and consolation. The capital of Kazakhstan, the beautiful Astana, surprises numerous guests and tourists with its grandiose buildings, spacious squares and original monuments. Among all this architectural diversity, there is one unique place in the metropolis, a true cultural and historical pearl of the city - the Cathedral of Saints Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helen. This church has crossed the 170-year mark of its existence and today is one of the oldest buildings in the capital.”

After the words of greeting while singing the troparion to the Holy Resurrection of Christ, the clergy removed the white cover from the memorial sign. Metropolitan Alexander read out the text imprinted on the memorial plaque and sprinkled it with holy water.
At the end of the event, the Head of the Metropolitan District and the clergy celebrated Easter.