Kazakh authorities do not oppose the emergence of an alternative Orthodox denomination “not connected to Moscow”

Hieromonk Yakov (Vorontsov), a banned cleric of the Kazakh Metropolitan District of the Russian Orthodox Church, known for his criticism of the ROC and calls to establish an independent Orthodox structure, has received an official response to his initiative from the Committee for Religious Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This was reported by «Orda.kz».

The letter addressed to Vorontsov states: “Citizens have the right to initiate the creation of a religious association in accordance with current legislation.” It also emphasizes the need to hold a founding assembly involving individuals aged 18 and older. Vorontsov commented: “It’s written in black and white — hold a founding assembly.”

Despite the formal openness of the state to registering new religious associations, Vorontsov does not expect support from officials regarding his appeal to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. According to him, he has already sent two letters — one from Kazakh citizens regardless of faith, and another from Orthodox believers in the country. These documents were shown on Current Time TV.

Hieromonk Yakov was stripped of his right to conduct liturgical services in 2023 by a church court of the Kazakh Metropolitan District of the ROC, and in July 2024, the decision was confirmed by Patriarch Kirill. Representatives of the district called him a schismatic and stated that his initiative lacks canonical legitimacy.

Vorontsov claims that his proposal to create an autocephalous Orthodox body in Kazakhstan is supported by some believers who have “lost trust” in the ROC. He also noted that Kazakh authorities do not object to the emergence of a new denomination, which effectively opens the door to forming an alternative Orthodox jurisdiction within the country.

It is worth noting that the banned cleric of the Kazakh Metropolitan District, Hieromonk Yakov (Vorontsov), has announced his “return to ministry.”