Kazakhstan welcomed the relics of the blessed old woman Matrona of Moscow

September 28, 2024. Astana. With the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus', the relics of the holy blessed old woman Matrona of Moscow arrived in the capital of Kazakhstan.

The stay of the relics of blessed Matrona in Kazakhstan is timed to coincide with historical dates - the 25th anniversary of the formation of the Astana and Alma-Ata diocese and the upcoming 15th anniversary of the approval of the canonical status of the Metropolitan District.

Support for the arrival of the relic is provided by the public foundation "Apostol" headed by President G.G. Sosnovsky.

From Astana International Airport, the holy relics were delivered to the Assumption Cathedral, where the archpastors of the Metropolitan District, foreign visiting hierarchs, clergy and numerous believers, led by Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, gathered to greet the revered relic.

To the singing of the troparion to the righteous "God-wise blessed old woman Matrona", the ark with the holy relics was brought under the vaults of the cathedral and installed in the center of the temple, after which the Divine Liturgy began, led by Metropolitan Alexander.

At the end of the Liturgy, the Life-giving Cross of Christ was venerated and the blessed saint of God was glorified.

Metropolitan Alexander addressed the participants of the spiritual celebration with a welcoming speech.

"Today in Kazakhstan there is a special sacred celebration - with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus', the honest relics and part of the robe of the holy blessed old woman Matrona of Moscow are brought to the boundaries of the Metropolitan District.
The name of this humble and meek saint of God is known to millions of people around the world. Books are written and documentaries are made about the numerous miracles that occur through the prayers of the blessed old woman, churches and chapels are erected in her memory. Every day, a huge line of pilgrims from different countries forms at the relics of Saint Matrona in the Pokrovsky Stavropegic Monastery in Moscow.
Not all of us can leave our affairs and concerns and make a difficult pilgrimage abroad, but now, every Kazakhstani seeking spiritual help and consolation, in need of healing from illnesses and wishing to be established in the true faith, can come and touch the relics of Blessed Matrona, offer sincere prayers for ourselves, for our family and friends.
The examples of saints are given to us so that we become spiritually stronger and morally stronger. The whole life of Saint Matrona was the bearing of the cross in submissive following of the will of God and in courageous patience of sorrows. Gospel mercy always shone in her words and deeds and was generously poured out on those around her. Thanks to this, she became a great saint of God, a lamp to the world and a source of miracles. Through the prayers of the holy righteous Matrona of Moscow, may the Lord, marvelous in His saints, strengthen all who suffer, heal the sick, restore hope to the despairing, console the grieving, enlighten the lost, reconcile the warring, fill our hearts with love and bless the land of Kazakhstan with peace." From the sermon of Metropolitan Alexander.