Congratulations Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan Metropolitan of Astana and Kazakh Alexander with Nauryz holiday

Dear people of Kazakhstan!

I heartily congratulate all people of the blessed Kazakhstan land on this special day - Nauryz Meiramy!

This joyful holiday is associated with the awakening of the nature, in the east since antiquity it has been celebrated as the beginning of the New Year, symbolizing the rebirth and renewal of life. The celebration of Nauryz is a centuries-old tradition of our multi-confessional and multi-ethnic people, embodying friendship and unity, striving for peace, love for the native country, deep respect for historical inheritance.

Since ancient times, people of different nationalities living on the expanses of the Great Steppe measured their successes and achievements on this day and made plans for the future. On the holiday of Nauryz, people of Kazakhstan strive to forgive each other, wish peace and prosperity, visit relatives and friends, and help those in need. As President Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev noted: “It is necessary that every nuance of Nauryz meiramy has moral significance for people, to contribute to good deeds and benefit the country.”

Unfortunately, this year we celebrate the Nauryz holiday in difficult circumstances. Geopolitical tensions are growing, our thoughts, concerns, and prayers go out to the tragic events taking place in the world. Under these conditions, we need to avoid quarrels and conflicts in every possible way, not to succumb to despondency, to be able to distinguish truth from deceit, to remain calm and to be attentive to each other.

May the good qualities inherent in our people of steadfastness, compassion, wisdom and patience help us overcome all adversity.

I wish all people of Kazakhstan health and success in their work, as well as peace and prosperity to our common home - blessed Kazakhstan.