Petition launched to create Ecumenical Patriarchate structure in Kazakhstan

St. George’s Cathedral in Istanbul. Photo: Orda

In July 2025, in Almaty, the collection of signatures resumed for the creation in Kazakhstan of a representation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople – an Orthodox structure independent of the Russian Orthodox Church. The initiative was launched by former ROC priest Iakov Vorontsov, reports Orda.kz.

Vorontsov first proposed the idea of establishing in Kazakhstan a representation of another Orthodox Church – other than the ROC – back in 2023. However, he soon suspended his efforts due to a criminal case opened against him. That case was closed in the spring of this year, and the initiative has now been revived.

“The creation of a religious association called ‘Representation of the Ecumenical Patriarch’ is the right of citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The state does not interfere in the affairs of religious associations and will not support the initiative. At the same time, the state will not obstruct the citizens' initiative,” Vorontsov said.

According to him, a local representation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate could serve Orthodox Christians who, for various reasons, cannot be members of the Russian Orthodox Church – for example, those who disagree with its stance on the war in Ukraine.

Vorontsov stressed that in Kazakhstan Orthodoxy is represented only by the ROC MP, whereas the Church of Constantinople has parishes all over the world.

He said that a specially authorized courier will fly to Istanbul in the coming days to deliver the appeals to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. One letter is being signed by Orthodox Christians living in Kazakhstan, including foreigners; the other – by citizens of Kazakhstan who, according to the initiator, support the “aspiration for freedom of faith.” An in-person meeting for signing the documents will take place on August 9 in Almaty, with the option to join remotely also provided.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Patriarch Bartholomew called for a “sacred unity” with Allah and Brahman.

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