Metropolitan Alexander presented the Hero of Labor of Kazakhstan - the outstanding poet and writer Olzhas Suleimenov with the Order “Beibitshilik pen Kelisim” (Peace and Harmony)

December 15, 2023. Alma-Ata. Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan met with an outstanding writer, famous public figure, Hero of Labor of the Republic of Kazakhstan - Olzhas Omarovich Suleimenov.

O.O. Suleimenov is the director of the International Center for the Rapprochement of Cultures under the auspices of UNESCO, a well-known thinker, poet, writer, diplomat and literary critic in Kazakhstan and abroad, whose works have been awarded high state awards and titles. Olzhas Omarovich - Hero of Labor of Kazakhstan, People's Writer of the Kazakh SSR, holder of the Order of "Otan" (Fatherland), laureate of the state prize of the Kazakh SSR, laureate of the Interparliamentary Assembly of the CIS Member States named after Chingiz Aitmatov.

The meeting was attended by: the head of the information and publishing department of the Metropolitan District, acting rector of the Alma-Ata Orthodox Theological Seminary, Archpriest Evgeny Ivanov, Academician of the Academy of Journalism of Kazakhstan, Professor Valery Aitmukashevich Zhandauletov.

The Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan and Olzhas Suleimenov exchanged congratulations on the upcoming public holiday - Independence Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The interlocutors noted that over the years of sovereignty, Kazakhstan has achieved success in building a democratic society, developing the social sphere, and creating an effective economic system. According to the meeting participants, in a fairly short period by historical standards, the young Republic managed to gain authority in the face of the world community, to become a model of peace, interethnic and interreligious harmony.

Metropolitan Alexander congratulated O.O. Suleimenov with the awarding of the Eurasian Prize of Public Recognition “Messenger of Friendship”. By the decision of the Eurasian Peoples’ Assembly, he became the laureate of an international award “for his personal contribution to strengthening peace, friendship and harmony between peoples and for the development of public diplomacy in the Eurasian space.”

The Metropolitan told the writer about the life of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District, which celebrated its 20th anniversary, about the implementation of church spiritual-educational, cultural and social-charitable projects. The archpastor especially noted the importance of translating the Bible into the Kazakh language for the development of church-public and interfaith dialogue and the development of Kazakh culture. Olzhas Omarovich was presented with biblical books published by the Apostle Foundation - the Gospel of Matthew, the Psalter and the Proverbs of Solomon.

The Hero of Labor of Kazakhstan said that he is a believer and has deep respect for traditional religions, especially Islam and Orthodoxy, which played a special role in the history of the country and are the spiritual foundation of Kazakh society.

Olzhas Suleimenov emphasized the need for spiritual, moral and intellectual education of the people and bringing people of different nationalities and religions closer together through a dialogue of cultures. “The rapprochement of cultures should not be limited to the exchange of concerts or exhibitions. Culture is, first of all, knowledge. Therefore, our common goal is to replenish the volume of knowledge that educates Homo sapiens. First of all, through school and university textbooks, through scientific works, conferences and fiction. The true culture of a people is based on a noble combination of Knowledge and Faith,” noted the writer.

Metropolitan Alexander presented Olzhas Omarovich Suleimenov with the highest award of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan - the Order of “Beibitshilik pen Kelisim” (Peace and Concord). The writer was awarded a special sign of church attention for his outstanding contribution to the promotion of interfaith peace and interethnic harmony.

Olzhas Omarovich warmly thanked the Head of the Metropolitan District for the award and presented the archpastor with his new book - “So it was...”, which contains the poet’s memoirs, selected articles, speeches, interviews from the 1970s – 2000s. The book begins with the wise lessons of the mother, who told young Olzhas: “If you meet a person, make him happy, maybe you see him for the last time.”

The Metropolitan said words of gratitude to the poet for his efforts for the benefit of his native Kazakhstan. The parting interlocutors noted that the multinational and multi-religious people of Kazakhstan are one big family, united, tempered by years of trials in the last century and having learned the joy of achievements in the 21st century.

Metropolitan Alexander handed over to O.O. Suleimenov’s book-album about the Ascension Cathedral of Almaty and the calendar of the Metropolitan District for 2024.

The meeting took place in a warm, friendly atmosphere and ended with the exchange of congratulations on the upcoming New Year and good wishes.