KAZAKHSTAN: METROPOLITAN APPEALS FOR PEACE

Astana, Kazakhstan, January 6, 2022

Photo: pravoslavie.ru    

The head of the Russian Church’s Kazakhstan Metropolitan District made an emergency appeal yesterday in connection with the current situation in the country.   

The President Tokayev of Kazakhstan declared a state of emergency in Almaty, the capital city of Nur-Sultan, and the western province of Mangistau after thousands took to the streets throughout the country, clashing with police and storming the mayor’s office in Almaty. Rallies began several days ago with protestors calling for a cheaper liquefied natural gas. Dozens of rioters have reportedly been killed, and about 1,000 injured.

His Eminence Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan called upon the nation:

Dear Kazakhstanis! Brothers and sisters!

There can be nothing more important for us today than the immediate cessation of the incitement of internecine conflict in our native home—blessed Kazakhstan.

The lessons of history and recent events that have happened in a number of countries show that internecine warfare always creates the threat of the destruction of the political system and the complete collapse of the economy. In such cases, there is a real danger of losing the genuine sovereignty of the people, which is expressed in the possibility and ability to arrange their lives on the basis of traditional moral, spiritual, and cultural values.

Following the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, I appeal to all of you to show wisdom and prudence, to not succumb to any provocations from inside and outside. Anyone who incites conflicts and sows internecine strife, who pushes people to violate the law and shed blood, takes the gravest sin upon his soul. Only the devil can celebrate a victory when brothers are at enmity, destroying each other, injuring, and weakening the vital forces of the people.

The head of state addressed the protesters with a noble proposal to return to the path of trust and dialogue. For the sake of the future of independent Kazakhstan, we must follow this call and stop inciting any conflicts.

I appeal to all decision-makers: Stop the hostile confrontation and enter into real negotiations to establish peace and justice. There can be no winners in internecine conflict, there can be no political gains that would be more valuable than people’s lives.

The well-being of our native Kazakhstan and the place of our country in the modern world are in our hands today.

I call on all believers of the Orthodox Church to pray intensely for peace and the prevention of any civil strife in our land.