Metropolitan Alexander awarded famous public figures of Kazakhstan the Order of “Beibitshilik pen Kelisim” (Peace and Harmony)

February 8, 2024. Alma-Ata. In the fireplace hall of the spiritual, cultural and administrative center of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District named after Metropolitan Joseph (Chernov), the presentation of high church awards to prominent public figures of Kazakhstan took place.

The award ceremony was headed by Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan.

The event was attended by: Secretary of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District, member of the Patriarchal Council for the Development of Church Singing, Honored Artist of Russia O.N. Ovchinnikov; Head of the Information Department of the Metropolitan District Archpriest Evgeny Ivanov, Head of the Metropolitan 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, Honored Worker of Culture of the Russian Federation, Head of the Culture Department of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District L. E. Goricheva; employees of the Alma-Ata diocesan administration.

Addressing the audience, the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, in particular, said: “Our country is a secular state, but traditional religions and, first of all, Hanafi Islam and Orthodoxy occupy a special position in Kazakh society. They are not only a significant factor in interethnic harmony and social stability, but also one of the sources of preserving and strengthening historical memory, folk culture, morality and enduring moral ideals. The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the respected Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev, notes: “Religions have at all times performed the basic function of education. They reject aggression, do not accept radicalism, condemn violence, preach tolerance and moderation.” This year, marked by a historical date - the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Astana and Alma-Ata diocese, I would like to honor with church signs those who make a serious contribution to strengthening interfaith peace and interethnic harmony in Kazakh society. You work in different public spheres, but you are united by the desire to preserve and strengthen brotherly love and mutual respect in our country between representatives of different nationalities, cultures and religious views.”

After the welcoming speech, the presentation of church awards took place.

In recognition of the work on the development of church-social relations in the Republic of Kazakhstan and for their significant contribution to strengthening interethnic peace and interfaith harmony, the Order of “Beibitshilik pen Kelisim” (Peace and Harmony) was awarded to:

- President of the Academy of Journalism of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Professor, Doctor of Historical Sciences Sagymbay Kabashevich Kozybaev;

- Academician of the Academy of Journalism of the Republic of Kazakhstan, member of the Olzhas Suleimenov Literary Foundation, professor Valery Aitmukashevich Zhandauletov;

- Academician of the Academy of Journalism of the Republic of Kazakhstan Igor Matveevich Romanov;

- Director and Chief Physician of the Avicenna Treatment and Diagnostic Center Petr Ivanovich Stroikov.

After presenting church signs of attention, the hierarch congratulated the recipients and wished them health and God's help in good works and endeavors.

On behalf of the awardees, S.K. Kozybaev in response addressed the Metropolitan “We live in multinational and multi-religious Kazakhstan and must preserve the spiritual and cultural values bequeathed by our ancestors. It is necessary to educate society through the joint efforts of government, religious and public figures. We should all pay special attention to the proper education of our youth. The Orthodox Church provides us with a great example in this difficult work,” emphasized Sagymbay Kabashevich.