Overview

• The Russian Orthodox Church confirmed Kirill began an official visit to Kazakhstan on September 16.
• He is slated to address the opening of the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana on September 17.
• The congress runs September 17–18 under the theme “Dialogue of religions: synergy for the future.”
• Organizers expect delegations of spiritual leaders and religious figures from more than 60 countries to attend.
• Separately, the Moscow Patriarchate published Kirill’s congratulations to new regional heads in Russia, including Alexander Tsybulsky, Alexander Bogomaz, Maria Kostyuk, Igor Kobzev, Vladislav Shapsha and others, expressing hopes for continued cooperation.