Congratulations from the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan to Archbishop Serapion of Kokshetau and Akmola on his 60th birthday

The head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, congratulated Archbishop Serapion of Kokshetau and Akmola on his 60th birthday:

His Eminence, Most Reverend Serapion, Archbishop of Kokshetau and Akmola

Your Eminence, dear Master!

I cordially congratulate you on your 60th birthday!

For many years you have been serving for the good of the Holy Church, teaching the people of God in word and deed to live according to the commandments of Christ, love, patience and compassion. At a special time in modern church history, the Lord called you to archpastoral service at the Kokshetau episcopal see.

You are zealously carrying out the apostolic work “preaching the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness” (Acts 28:31), showing active concern for the portion of God entrusted to your care, making your contribution to strengthening interethnic peace and civil harmony in the region.

I wish that through your efforts, with the assistance of the grace of the Holy Spirit, the work of comprehensive development of the church life of the Kokshetau diocese will continue.

On this special day for you, I offer prayerful wishes for God’s help in the archpastoral service, “peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:17).

May the All-Merciful Lord, through the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, the prayers of the new martyrs and confessors who shone in the land of Kazakhstan, give you strength of mental and physical strength and His gracious help in further carrying out your work for the good of the Holy Church.