Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, May 15, 2019
Photo: mitropolia.kz
The beginning of a new church was laid in Nur-Sultan, the capital city of Kazakhstan, on Sunday, as part of the celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the Diocese of Astana and Alma-Ata, as His Eminence Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan consecrated the foundation stone for the future Church of All Saints Who Have Shone Forth in Kazakhstan.
Met. Alexander was concelebrated by more than 10 of his brother bishops, including bishops from Belarus, Ukraine, and Moldova, reports the site of the Metropolitan District in Kazakhstan.
Photo: mitropolia.kz
The service was also attended by a number of public officials, including the ambassadors of Belarus, Serbia, and Greece, and, of course, numerous Orthodox faithful gathered to pray for the construction of the new church.
Photo: mitropolia.kz
Before the consecration, Met. Alexander spoke about the importance of the Church in the life of every person, stressing the importance of building the church for the meaningful existence and spiritual development of society and the preservation of traditional moral values and the historical memory of the people.
“A significant event is taking place today—here, in the capital of our country, Nur-Sultan, we are consecrating the foundation stone of a new church dedicated to All Saints Who Have Shone Forth in Kazakhstan. This is a special day. The celebration of holy Pascha continues, which we call the Feast of Feasts and Celebration of Celebrations, and in various languages in various countries, the hymn of the victory of Christ over death is heard,” Met. Alexander preached.
Photo: mitropolia.kz
His Eminence also noted the presence of the wonder-working Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God, which had brought to the Dormition Cathedral in the capital. 10,000 people venerated the icon during its stay.
Photo: mitropolia.kz
Then Minister of Information and Public Development also addressed the gathered celebrants, after which a moleben with the rite of consecrating the cross and foundation stone was served. A gramota of consecration, signed by the participating hierarchs and the Minister of Social Development was read out and then placed in a metal capsule and laid in a special niche in the foundation stone.
Photo: mitropolia.kz
The day concluded with a reception in honor of the 20th anniversary of the diocese and the laying of the foundation stone for the future Church of All Saints of Kazakhstan.
Photo: mitropolia.kz
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