Astana, Kazakhstan, February 20, 2024
Photo: mitropolia.kz As a result of archival research, the exact date of birth of the Apostle to Central Asia has been established.
His Eminence Archbishop Sophony (Zephaniah) (Sokolsky), the first hierarch of the Turkestan Diocese and a prominent spiritual educator of the 19th century, is venerated today as a Holy Hierarch.
The Department for the Canonization of Saints of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Kazakhstan Metropolitan District and the Almaty Theological Seminary are conducting broad research into the life of the revered Archbishop, preparing materials for his eventual canonization, the Metropolitan District reports.
Conducting research in the archives of the Tver Region, Dr. Soloviev, vice rector of the Almaty Theological Seminary, was able to establish that Abp. Sophony was born on July 25/August 8, 1800, based on the materials of the metric book of the Holy Resurrection Church in the village of Eski, where his father served as priest his whole life.
The newly established date will be included in all reference and academic publications devoted to the life of the Holy Hierarch.
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