Published on: 2026-07-29
Source: Government of the Russian Federation –
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During a working visit to Astana (Republic of Kazakhstan), Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Chernyshenko awarded the head of the metropolitan district of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Republic of Kazakhstan, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, the Order “For Merit to the Fatherland” II degree, as well as assessed the progress of construction of the new church-architectural complex and visited the Central Mosque of Astana.
“It is a great honor, on behalf of President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, to present you with the highest state award in recognition of your merits in developing relations between Russia and Kazakhstan, promoting spiritual and moral values, and working with the youth of both our countries, since youth is our future. I just had the opportunity to tour the construction underway here. We are in the church consecrated by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. The project is being carried out with the blessing of His Holiness the Patriarch and with the support of the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Kemelovich Tokayev. Huge thanks to the authorities of Kazakhstan. The Government of the Russian Federation is also participating and cooperating. We are glad that the overall project provides opportunities for benefactors as well. Therefore, many thanks for your prayers and diligence. We value it. I am confident that the residents of Astana value it too,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.
Dmitry Chernyshenko thanked the Akimat of the city of Astana for their assistance in implementing the project, noting that an amazing oasis of peace, kindness, justice, and faith is being created around the church-architectural complex.
The Order of “For Merit to the Fatherland” II class was awarded to Metropolitan Alexander by the decree of the President of Russia for his contribution to the preservation and development of spiritual and moral traditions, as well as for many years of charitable and public activities. The presentation took place in the new church dedicated to Venerable Sergius of Radonezh, which was consecrated last year during his visit to Astana by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and all Rus’.
“Our Orthodox Church always and everywhere, following the commandments of Christ the Savior, brings peace and harmony. It is very important that in our country the care for the development of interreligious and interethnic dialogue is carried out by Orthodox Christians together with the followers of the leading confession of the republic – representatives of Islam of the Hanafi madhhab. I am glad that, according to my strength and abilities, I participate in this noble cause. I thank you, dear Dmitry Nikolaevich, for fulfilling the will of the head of our state, the highly respected Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. May the mercy of God always be upon great Russia and blessed Kazakhstan, where the Lord ordained me to serve for almost 17 years, to serve the people who live here, and to work toward strengthening the brotherly ties between our countries,” said Metropolitan Alexander.
Dmitry Chernyshenko, together with Metropolitan Alexander, also reviewed the progress of the construction of the new church architectural complex, which includes a temple named in honor of All Saints who shone forth in the land of Kazakhstan, as well as the spiritual-cultural and educational center of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District.
The project to create a spiritual and educational center has been supported by the Chairman of the Government of Russia, Mikhail Mishustin, and the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. It is being implemented with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. The complex is expected to include a church dedicated to All Saints who shone forth in the land of Kazakhstan, a spiritual-cultural and educational center with classrooms, an assembly and lecture hall, a library, a cinema hall, as well as a scientific and museum complex dedicated to church art and the history of Orthodoxy in Central Asia. The complex will also house an icon-painting workshop and school, and creative clubs for youth. The main structures of the complex are already actively being erected. All work has been fully completed in the church of St. Sergius of Radonezh. The construction of the center is being funded by philanthropists, including Russian and Kazakhstani businesses.
A prayer service was held at the Sergievsky Church for the successful conduct of the International Multisport Tournament “Games of the Future – 2026.”
During the continuation of the visit, Dmitry Chernyshenko inspected the Central Mosque of Astana, which is among the largest mosques in the world. Its total capacity is more than 230,000 people. It is not only a major spiritual center but also a popular tourist destination.
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