The dean of the Astana church district, Archimandrite Sergius (Karamyshev), was presented with the Patriarchal award

June 14, 2024. Alma-Ata. In the spiritual, cultural and administrative center of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District named after Metropolitan Joseph (Chernov), a meeting took place between Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan with the dean of the capital’s church district, Archimandrite Sergius (Karamyshev).

The meeting was attended by: Secretary of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District, Honored Artist of Russia O.N. Ovchinnikov; acting rector of the Alma-Ata Theological Seminary, head of the information and publishing department of the Metropolitan District, Archpriest Evgeny Ivanov; head of the Metropolitan’s personal secretariat, Hieromonk Prokhor (Endovitsky); head of the administrative secretariat of the Head of the Metropolitan District, Priest Georgy Sidorov; Head of the Metropolitan Protocol Service, Protodeacon Roman Golovin.

During the conversation, the parties discussed current issues of parish life, the activities of the spiritual and cultural center named after Equal-to-the-Apostles Cyril and Methodius, the beautification of the Assumption Cathedral, and the intensification of the work of diocesan departments responsible for spiritual education and catechesis.

Metropolitan Alexander presented Archimandrite Sergius with the Order of the Russian Orthodox Church of St. Seraphim of Sarov, III degree. The pastor was awarded this high award by decree of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' in recognition of his hard work for the good of the Holy Church and in connection with the 25th anniversary of his priestly ordination.

Congratulating Father Sergius, the hierarch, in particular, said: “A quarter of a century ago, through the laying on of archpastoral hands, you received the grace of the priesthood. All these years you have been working for the good of the Holy Church, standing before the Throne of the King of Glory, offering the Bloodless Sacrifice of thanksgiving for everyone and everything. As the rector of the main church of Astana - the Assumption Cathedral, as well as the dean of the capital, you devote all your strength and talents to the cause of God, making a special contribution to the development of parish life in the main city of the Republic. You strive to fulfill the obediences assigned to you conscientiously and responsibly. You are making efforts to establish spiritual and moral values in our society, you are my good helper, a shepherd “bringing peace, bringing good tidings, preaching salvation” (Is. 52:7).”

The Head of the Metropolitan District wished the awardee health, peace, prosperity and God's help in further fruitful performance of pastoral labors for the benefit of the Holy Church.

In his response, Archimandrite Sergius heartily thanked Metropolitan Alexander for the high sign of church attention and good wishes.