Congratulations from the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan to Archbishop Amphilochius of Ust-Kamenogorsk and Semipalatinsk on his 55th birthday

The head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, congratulated Archbishop Amfilohiy of Ust-Kamenogorsk and Semipalatinsk on his 55th birthday:

His Eminence, Most Reverend Amphilochius, Archbishop of Ust-Kamenogorsk and Semipalatinsk

Your Eminence, dear Vladyka!

I cordially congratulate you on your 55th birthday!

For many years you have been serving for the benefit of the Holy Church within Kazakhstan, teaching the people of God in word and deed to live according to the commandments of Christ, love, patience and compassion. At a special time in modern church history, the Lord called you to archpastoral service in the land of Rudny Altai.

I wish that the experience and knowledge that you have, your talents, administrative abilities and hard work will fully serve for the good of the Church, for the benefit of the East Kazakhstan flock, for the creation of new shrines and strengthening fruitful interaction with government authorities and public organizations.

I prayerfully wish you God’s help in your apostolic ministry, firmness in your testimony of the eternal truths of the Gospel, “peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:17).

I consider it fair to honor you with the high award of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan - the Order of Algys (Gratitude).

May the All-Merciful Lord, through the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, through the prayers of the new martyrs and confessors who shone forth in the land of Kazakhstan, give you strength of mental and physical strength and His gracious help in further carrying out archpastoral labors for the benefit of the Holy Church.