Patriarchal congratulations to Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan on the 35th anniversary of his archpastoral ordination

His Holiness Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus', congratulated the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, on the 35th anniversary of his archpastoral ordination:

Your Eminence!

I sincerely congratulate you on this significant date – the 35th anniversary of your episcopal ordination.

On the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, you were called to the high and responsible archpastoral service, which requires dedication and readiness to work diligently, to preach the word, to reprove, to forbid, to exhort with all longsuffering and edification (2 Tim. 4:2).

It is gratifying to note that over the past 35 years, you, without lackining in zeal and fervent in spirit (Rom. 12:11), have striven with love and zeal for the glory of God to fulfill every obedience entrusted to you by the hierarchy.

I would like to express special gratitude to you for your fruitful work as head of the Metropolitan District of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Republic of Kazakhstan, for your contribution to the development of diocesan and parish life in the area entrusted to your care, for your unwavering desire to testify to your contemporaries about the enduring truths of the Gospel.

On this spiritually significant day for you, I prayerfully wish you strength, generous help from God, and success in your future labors for the benefit of the Church of Christ.

With love in the Lord,

+ KIRILL, PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL Rus'