The head of the Metropolitan District awarded Bishop Benjamin of Talgar a high award of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan

July 17, 2024. Alma-Ata. The head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, presented the vicar of the Astana diocese, Bishop Veniamin of Talgar, with the Order of Holy Confessor Nicholas, Metropolitan of Alma-Ata.

His Eminence awarded the vicar of the Astana diocese with the high award of the Metropolitan District in recognition of his diligent archpastoral labors for the benefit of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan and in connection with his 65th birthday.

Presenting the order, the Metropolitan, in particular, noted: “For many years you have been serving in the field of the Lord, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, offering the Bloodless Sacrifice of thanksgiving for everyone and for everything. By the providence of the Creator and Lord of all, you were determined to carry out various church obediences. Now, performing apostolic service on the God-protected land of Kazakhstan and fulfilling the obedience entrusted to you as vicar of the Astana diocese, you are making your feasible contribution to the development of church life in the southern capital of Kazakhstan, striving to “serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling” (Ps. 2:11). Serving with you on the blessed land of Semirechye, I offer prayers to the new martyrs and confessors of Christ for your health and prosperity. May the All-Merciful Lord grant you strength of mental and physical strength and preserve you for many years.”

Metropolitan Alexander wished Bishop Benjamin health, longevity and God's help in the further carrying out of his archpastoral labors for the benefit of the Holy Church in the land of Semirechye, presented him with a memorial panagia and presented a bouquet of flowers.