Congratulations from Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan to Bishop Benjamin of Talgar on his 65th birthday

The head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, congratulated Bishop Veniamin of Talgar on his 65th birthday.

To His Eminence, Most Reverend Benjamin, Bishop of Talgar, Vicar of the Astana diocese.

Your Eminence, dear Vladyka!

I cordially congratulate you on your 65th birthday!

For many years you have been serving in the field of the Lord, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, offering the Bloodless Sacrifice of thanksgiving for everyone and for everything. By the providence of the Creator and Lord of all, you were determined to carry out various church obediences.

Now, performing apostolic service on the God-protected land of Kazakhstan and fulfilling the obedience entrusted to you as vicar of the Astana diocese, you are making your feasible contribution to the development of church life in the southern capital of Kazakhstan, striving to “serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling” (Ps. 2:11).

On this special day for you, I prayerfully wish you health, prosperity, God’s help in your labors, and especially in “be shepherds of the Church of God, which He bought with His own blood” (Acts 20:28).

I consider it fair to honor you with the award of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan - the Order of Hiero-Confessor Nicholas, Metropolitan of Alma-Ata and Kazakhstan.

Serving with you on the blessed land of Semirechye, I offer prayers to the new martyrs and confessors of Christ for your health and prosperity. May the All-Merciful Lord grant you strength of mental and physical strength and preserve you for many years.