The head of the Metropolitan District congratulated the clergy and Sunday school students of the Kazakh capital on Merry Christmas

January 14, 2024. Astana. In the concert hall of the spiritual and cultural center named after Equal-to-the-Apostles Cyril and Methodius, Metropolitan Alexander met with the clergy and students of Sunday schools of the Astana church district.

The event was attended by: the dean of the Astana church district, Archimandrite Sergius (Karamyshev), the keymaster of the Assumption Cathedral, Archpriest Dimitry Baidek, the clergy of the Astana church district, employees of the diocesan administration, teachers and students of Sunday schools in the capital, church choirs of Astana.

Metropolitan Alexander congratulated those gathered on the saving days of the Nativity of Christ and the coming New Year.

Addressing those present, the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, in particular, said: “The holiday of the Nativity of Christ again mysteriously raises the hearts and minds of believers to the Bethlehem Cave, makes participants in Christmas services witnesses of the sacred gospel events that happened for us for the sake of man and for our salvation.”

A separate communication took place between the Head of the Metropolitan District and the dean and clergy of the capital of the Republic. The archpastor paid special attention to the issue of preparing the churches of the Astana deanery for the rite of the great consecration of water on the day of the Epiphany.

During the meeting, students of Astana Sunday schools performed the troparion and kontakion of the holiday, Christmas carols and folk songs.

The head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan presented Christmas gifts to everyone present, wishing those gathered mercy from the Lord, health and longevity.

On behalf of the teachers and students, Nina Vasilievna Mazurina, the regent of the Church of Constantine and Helena and the director of the Sunday school of the Assumption Cathedral in Astana, addressed Metropolitan Alexander with words of well-wishes and congratulations.

At the end of the meeting, a group photo was taken.