The funeral service for the abbess of the Astanai Monastery took place in honor of the icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost” by Abbess Raphaila (Vasilenko)

February 6, 2024. Astana. At the end of the Divine Liturgy, a funeral service for the newly deceased abbess of the monastery took place in the Cathedral of Constantine and Helena in honor of the icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost” by Abbess Raphaila (Vasilenko).

The funeral service with the blessing of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan was led by the vicar of the Astana diocese, Bishop Claudian of Taldykorgan.

On the eve of the burial, a farewell to the late mother was organized. The Gospel was read over the deceased's coffin.

Concelebrating with the archpastor were: the dean of the Astana church district, Archimandrite Sergius (Karamyshev), the custodian of the Assumption Cathedral of the capital, Archpriest Dimitry Baidek, the confessor of the Astana convent in honor of the icon of the Mother of God “Recovery of the Lost,” Hieromonk Modest (Drozdov), the custodian of the Constantine-Elenin Cathedral, Archpriest Sergius Kaliev, clergy of the churches of the capital's deanery.

The cathedral choir sang under the direction of N.V. Mazurina.

Employees of the diocesan administration, relatives and friends of the deceased prayed in the church. Numerous believers of Astana arrived to say goodbye to Mother Rafaila.

Before the funeral service, Bishop Claudian announced the condolences of the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan.

After the prayer of permission, which was read by the Most Reverend Claudian, accompanied by the singing of the stichera “Come, let us give the last kiss, brothers, to the deceased...”, the clergy and laity said goodbye to the deceased abbess.

The funeral service ended with the proclamation of “Eternal Memory.” The coffin with the body of the deceased was surrounded around the Cathedral of Constantine and Helena.

Mother Raphaila was buried in the central city cemetery.