We will continue work on spiritual revival of Orthodox believers - Archbishop of Astana and Almaty Alexander
ATY. March 30. KAZINFORM /Yelena Ilyinskaya/ Last Sunday local congregation of Almaty welcomed new Head of the Russian Orthodox Church in Kazakhstan - Archbishop of Astana and Almaty Alexander. The Archbishop realized the high meaning of serving God and neighbor in the 80s of the XX century when he studied in a seminary and then in a spiritual academy. For 20 years he had headed Kostroma diocese. 11 monasteries, a Spiritual Academy were opened there over this period. The number of temples rose threefold; new spiritual education and youth centers were opened.
You have become new representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in our country. Could you tell please about the major directions of your work and your plans for the future?
Undoubtedly, we will continue the work on spiritual revival of Orthodox believers. The objectives in this direction will not change and will remain the same as many years before - to bring light of Christ in people's souls and hearts. This is quite a complicated and hard work providing for catechism, missionary work and preaching God's word in the language which is understood by ordinary people. We intend to improve spiritual-educational work among the population especially among the youth.
Today Russia actively works on involvement of youth in church. Patriarch Kirill noted importance of this issue during his visit to our country.
It is quite right. As the Patriarch noted wisely, youth is future of the country. People who will live in the XXI century, who has entered new millennium, must be open to the beauty and greatness of their ancestors' faith, the faith that can help them live further. For 15 years I have been coordinating the issues of the youth center of the Russian Orthodox Church. Within this period the center had organized many activities aimed at educating the youth, searching for the young leaders who will be able to change lives of their "lost" friends. Today youth is our hope, and unfortunately, it is our pain.
Archbishop Alexander, we know you have brought the miraculous Theodore Icon of the Mother of God, the main sanctuary of Kostroma region, here in Kazakhstan. Could you tell please some words about it?
For about 25 years I had a fortune to be a keeper of the Great Russian icon - the miraculous icon of the Mother of God. This sanctuary has been kept in Kostroma town since ancient times. With this icon Alexander Nevsky launched military campaigns, he preached for saving the Motherland, for making Russia holy and righteous. Since 2000 with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy the icon has become a royal pilgrim. It was in many Russian cities: in Far East, in Khabarovsk, Arkhangelsk, Saint Petersburg, Saratov, and Yaroslavl. It was also in Ukraine. Today I am pleased that its exact creproduction has arrived in Kazakhstan.