Metropolitan Alexander congratulated the employees of the Alma-Ata diocesan administration on Christmas

January 11, 2024. Alma-Ata. In the throne room of the spiritual, cultural and administrative center of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District named after St. Joseph (Chernov), a meeting was held between Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan with employees of the Alma-Ata diocesan administration.

The event was attended by: vicars of the Astana diocese - the manager of the affairs of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District, Bishop Gennady of Kaskelen, Bishop Claudian of Taldykorgan and Bishop Benjamin of Talgar; Secretary of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District, Honored Artist of Russia, Member of the Patriarchal Council for the Development of Russian Church Singing O.N. Ovchinnikov; director of the Sunday school of the Ascension Cathedral, Archpriest Alexander Ievlev, 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; President of the public foundation "Apostle" G.G. Sosnovsky, Honored Worker of Culture of the Russian Federation, Head of the Culture Department of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District L.E. Goricheva, head of the Orthodox singing school “Tsevnitsa” at the Ascension Cathedral N.O. Golovin; employees of the Alma-Ata diocesan administration.

The head of the Metropolitan District congratulated those gathered on the New Year and the upcoming holiday of hope, peace and God's love - the Nativity of Christ.

“The bright days of celebrating the Nativity of Christ have arrived, which are called Christmastide, holy days. People celebrating together with the angels, the visible and invisible world rejoices, glorifying the coming of God to the human race. There is a good old tradition of giving each other gifts at Christmas. Born in a wretched den in Bethlehem, the Infant God made the most important gifts to all people - He opened the gates of the Heavenly Kingdom to every person and gave those who believe in Him the greatest right to be called children of God. Remembering these gifts from the Lord, as a sign of gratitude to God, people on holy days strive to do something kind, good and joyful to each other. At Christmas, we pay special attention to children, since the almighty Creator of the Universe Himself appeared in this world in the form of a meek baby. My dears, never forget that God is very close to you, therefore in some difficult life circumstances, boldly turn to the Lord, and He will help you. I wish you all a joyful mood, God's help, health, peace of mind, strength and fortitude. May the unfading light of the star of Bethlehem illuminate all of us on the paths of life,” the Metropolitan said, addressing those present.

After the welcoming speech, the Head of the Metropolitan District presented church awards to those who had worked for the good of Orthodoxy on Kazakhstani soil.

In recognition of their work on spiritual and moral education and religious education of the younger generation, the order “Yntaly kizmeti Ushin” (“For Diligent Service”) was awarded to the director of the Sunday school of the main church of the southern capital, Archpriest Alexander Ievlev and the head of the Orthodox singing school “Tsevnitsa” at Voznesensky Cathedral N.O. Golovin.

The Order of the Martyrs Faith, Nadezhda, Lyubov and Sophia was awarded to employee of the diocesan administration E.V. Rowan.

At the end of the award ceremony, the men's choir of the Alma-Ata diocese under the direction of Deacon Alexander Pivnya, together with students of the Orthodox singing school “Tsevnitsa” (director - N. Golovina), performed the troparion and kontakion of the holiday, Christmas carols and folk songs.

The head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan presented Orthodox calendars for 2024 and Christmas gifts to the children and employees of the diocesan administration.