Memorial Day of St. Seraphim of Sarov. The head of the Metropolitan District led the patronal celebrations of the Seraphim Church in Astana

January 15, 2024 is the pre-celebration of Epiphany, the day of remembrance of St. Seraphim of Sarov.

Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan performed the Divine Liturgy in the church in the name of St. Seraphim of Sarov in the city of Astana, celebrating his patronal feast day.

The Primate of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan was co-served by: dean of the Astana church district Archimandrite Sergius (Karamyshev), rector of the church in honor of the icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” Archpriest Evgeniy Vorobyov, clerics of the Seraphim Church Archimandrite Joasaph (Serkez) and Hieromonk Siluan (Sinegubov), clergyman of the Assumption Cathedral Cathedral of the city of Astana, Archpriest Dimitry Baidek, keymaster of the Seraphim Church, Archpriest Evgeny Korolkov, keymaster of the Constantine-Elenin Cathedral, Archpriest Sergius Kaliev, priest Sergius Pinigin, head of the personal secretariat of the Head of the Metropolitan District, Hieromonk Prokhor (Endovitsky); Protodeacon Nikolai Grinkevich, head of the Metropolitan Protocol Service, Protodeacon Roman Golovin, Protodeacon Vladimir Syrovatsky, Deacon Ilya Davydov, Deacon Mikhail Chumakov, Deacon John Churkin, Deacon John Artemyev, Deacon Bogdan Boyko.

On the day of the patronal feast, from the Iversko-Seraphim house church of the metropolitan residence in Alma-Ata, for the prayerful worship of believers, an ark with the relics of St. Seraphim of Sarov, part of the stone on which the reverend elder prayed for a thousand days and nights, a strand of the saint’s hair, as well as parts of him was delivered clothes and vestments.

The chants were performed by the cathedral choir under the direction of Olga Varentsova.

Orthodox residents of the capital of the Republic and believers from surrounding settlements prayed during the service.

The Hierarch offered prayers for the increase of love and the eradication of all hatred and malice.

The sermon on the sacramental verse was delivered by Archpriest Dimitry Baidek.

The liturgy ended with the glorification of St. Seraphim of Sarov in front of the ark with the relics of the saint of God, after which the archpastor addressed those gathered with the words of a sermon.

In consideration of his work for the benefit of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan and in connection with the 50th anniversary of his birth, Metropolitan Alexander awarded Archpriest Evgeny Korolkov with the high award of the Metropolitan District - the Order of the Hiero-Confessor Nicholas, Metropolitan of Alma-Ata.

His Eminence congratulated Priest Sergius Pinigin on the anniversary of his priestly ordination, presented him with a holy prosphora, thanked him for his labors and wished him mental and physical strength and God’s mercy in his further service to the Holy Church.

“Reverend Seraphim left us many deep and wise, but at the same time, simple in content teachings, which he based on the Holy Scriptures and the works of the holy fathers. We learn many saving lessons from the well-known saying of Father Seraphim: “Acquire a peaceful spirit and thousands will be saved around you.” The good, righteous spiritual state of a person filled with the Holy Spirit spreads to many. But it is important to remember that sin, having appeared in the heart of one person, gradually infects more and more people. Therefore, desiring salvation for ourselves and our family and friends, desiring to eradicate sins and vices in society, we must first of all start with ourselves - lead a virtuous life, acquire holiness, and be transformed by the grace of the Holy Spirit. The monk considered prayer to be an important means of acquiring grace: “Prayer most of all brings the Spirit of God, and it is most convenient for everyone to do it... There is always an opportunity for its fulfillment for the rich and the poor, the strong and the weak, the healthy and the sick, the righteous and the sinner.” St. Seraphim calls on everyone with his example and instructions to follow the path indicated by Christ. He calls to fight sin and one’s shortcomings, being himself a beacon and lamp for all those seeking salvation.” From the sermon of Metropolitan Alexander.