Address by Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan in connection with large-scale flooding in a number of regions of Kazakhstan

Your Eminences and Graces!
Venerable fathers! Dear brothers and sisters!

The natural disaster that happened in our country resonates with great sorrow in the heart of every Kazakhstani. Ten regions of the country suffered from unprecedented floods: Akmola, Aktobe, Atyrau, West Kazakhstan, Karaganda, Kostanay, Pavlodar, North Kazakhstan and Ulytau. Head of State Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev described the flood in the Republic as the worst disaster in 80 years.

It is impossible to look at footage from news feeds without a shudder of the heart. Thousands of people were exposed to mortal danger, lost shelter over their heads and lost property. Business areas were destroyed, infrastructure was damaged and residential buildings were destroyed. As a result of the rampant disaster, Orthodox churches, mosques and houses of worship of traditional faiths, which were carefully and lovingly created by the believing people, found themselves in the flooding zone. In Petropavlovsk, the ancient cathedral of the supreme apostles Peter and Paul with unique icons and utensils was damaged; in Aktobe, the cathedral in the name of the holy confessor Nicholas of Alma-Ata and the central Sunday school; in Uralsk, the existence of the Intercession Convent is under threat.

I express words of sympathy and earnestly pray for a speedy end to the natural disaster and for the deliverance of Kazakhstanis from the consequences of the disaster. The clergy and laity of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan strive to support the victims in every possible way, work in rescue teams and organize the collection of humanitarian aid. At this difficult moment for the country, the unity and cohesion of our multinational and multi-religious society are more important than ever.

May the Lord strengthen bodily strength and bless volunteers who demonstrate true gospel love, mercy and solidarity. I have given instructions to the Department of Church Charity and Social Service of the Metropolitan District to actively carry out relevant and meaningful work to help those in need.
May the Lord of the universe, the maker of heaven and earth (Ps. 146:6), deliver our native home - blessed Kazakhstan - from disasters and sorrows, and grant us all his great and rich mercy.