Kazakhstan Revives Initiative to Establish Representation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate

In July 2025, the collection of signatures resumed in Almaty for the creation of a representation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Kazakhstan — an independent Orthodox structure that would compete with the Russian Orthodox Church. The initiative was launched by former ROC priest Yakov Vorontsov, who had previously paused the effort due to a criminal case against him, but has now resumed it after the case was closed. This was reported by Orda.kz.

Vorontsov emphasized that establishing such a religious association is a lawful right of Kazakhstan’s citizens, and the state does not intend to interfere. He also noted that the Ecumenical Patriarchate could serve Orthodox believers who disagree with the ROC’s position on the war in Ukraine, as currently only the Moscow Patriarchate’s ROC operates officially in the country.

According to Vorontsov, the Ecumenical Church has parishes worldwide, while in Kazakhstan Orthodoxy is currently represented only by the ROC MP. This creates a need for an independent church structure that could unite believers with diverse views.

Soon, an authorized courier will fly to Istanbul to deliver an appeal with signatures from Kazakhstan’s Orthodox community, including foreigners, to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The in-person signing of documents will take place on August 9 in Almaty, with remote participation also available.

Recall that the Russian Orthodox Church opposed the initiative to create an independent Orthodox organization in Kazakhstan, proposed by former hieromonk Yakov Vorontsov. The statement of the Metropolitan District of the ROC Kazakhstan Eparchy stressed that such actions could lead to conflicts and division among the population.