Kirill Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia visits Kazakhstan

Orthodox priests thoroughly prepared for the arrival of the Patriarch. Photo by Danial Okassov©

They arrived from different regions of Kazakhstan. Photo by Danial Okassov©

The plane with the representatives of Russian Orthodox Church landed in Astana airport. Photo by Danial Okassov©

The priests are waiting for the Patriarch. Photo by Danial Okassov©

Aleksander Metropolitan of Astana and Kazakhstan. Photo by Danial Okassov©

The head of Russian Orthodox Church was welcomed with flowers, bread and salt. Photo by Danial Okassov©

The Patriarch noted that it was his second visit to Kazakhstan. Photo by Danial Okassov©

Mayor of Astana Imangali Tasmagambetov met Petriarch Kirill in the airport. Photo by Danial Okassov©

Photo by Danial Okassov©

Patriarch Kirill wished peace and accord to Kazakhstan people. Photo by Danial Okassov©

Patriarch Kirill left the airport for a meeting with Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev. Photo by Danial Okassov©

The newly-built building of the Synod of Kazakhstan’s Orthodox Church and the spiritual center. Photo by Danial Okassov©

Patriarch Kirill took part in a prayer and blessed the Synod's building. Photo by Danial Okassov©

Patriarch: “This time I arrived with a special mission to take part in the 4th Congress of World Religions...

... but at the same time I will have an opportunity to visit the metropolitan district in Astana and take part in the blessing of the new building of the Synod of Kazakhstan’s Orthodox Church." Photo by Danial Okassov©