Symbol of faith, light and spiritual rebirth -
Orthodox churches and shrines of Almaty -
The Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul is one of the most revered Orthodox buildings in Almaty. It has become not just a religious center, but a real island of spirituality where people find solace, inspiration and inner peace. The temple is located in the upper southern part of the city in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau.
This church, built by the efforts of parishioners, benefactors and clergymen, absorbed the warmth of human hearts and faith, which helped revive the Orthodox tradition in the years when religious life was just beginning to return after many decades of neglect.
Founding history
After the collapse of the USSR and the lifting of anti-religious restrictions in the early 1990s, a revival of spiritual life began in Almaty, as well as throughout Kazakhstan. On December 25, 1994, the parish of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul was officially registered. Two months later, on February 15, 1995, the first service, the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, was held in a small prayer room.
But the room was too cramped. On Easter of the same year, many parishioners could not fit inside and listened to the service through the open windows. Then it was decided to build a new temple. The funds were raised all over the world and donated by believers, entrepreneurs and just kind people.
Soon, a plot was purchased and construction began. In the summer of 1996, the foundation was filled in, and by August 1998, the church was consecrated by Archbishop Alexy.
Reconstruction and renovation
Over time, the temple became so popular that it stopped accommodating everyone. In 2009, a large-scale reconstruction began, blessed by Metropolitan Methodius.
In 2011-2015, new chapels were erected, a bell tower was built, the domes were renovated, and a font was installed in the lower baptismal church.
In 2018, work on the interior painting and installation of a new iconostasis was completed, after which the second consecration of the temple by Metropolitan Alexander took place.
Today, the temple shines with sky-blue facades, white columns and golden domes, becoming one of the most beautiful Orthodox buildings in Almaty.
Architecture and interior decoration
The architectural appearance of the temple combines elements of the Russian and Byzantine styles.
The sky-blue walls symbolize purity and spirituality, and the golden domes reflect sunlight, reminding of Divine grace. The entrance is decorated with carved doors with images of apostles and saints, made by Kazakhstani craftsmen.
Inside there is a bright and solemn interior filled with the scent of incense and the sounds of a choir.
The main shrines are the relics of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, given to the temple by Metropolitan Alexander in 2012. Besides them, the relics of St. Matrona of Moscow, St. Alexander Svirsky, Mitrofan of Voronezh and other saints are kept here, as well as miraculous icons – "The Sign", "Iverskaya" and "Gerontissa", brought from Mount Athos.
Spiritual life and parish activities
The temple is actively living and developing.
Divine services are held here daily, weddings, baptisms and confessions take place.
Sunday School teaches children the Law of God, Orthodox hymns, needlework, and the history of faith.
Since 2019, the Iliotropion youth club has been operating at the temple, where boys and girls study the Holy Scriptures, make pilgrimages and participate in good deeds.
A large library with spiritual literature has been created at the temple, and flowers and trees grow in the courtyard, creating an atmosphere of peace.
A special place is occupied by holidays – Christmas, Easter, Epiphany, when hundreds of parishioners gather for service.
On the feast of Epiphany, an ice hole is set up here for ablution, and thousands of cakes are consecrated on Easter – in 2024 alone, more than 90 thousand were consecrated.
Clergy and rectors
Since its foundation, the church has been headed by Archpriest Vladimir Shklyar, a man with an amazing destiny. A former civil aviation pilot, he devoted his life to serving God and people.
Under his leadership, the temple not only survived, but also flourished.
Today, his sons, Archpriest Kirill Shklyar and Priest Andrey Shklyar, as well as clergymen Maxim Lysenko, Kirill Gromov, Sergei Abdulaev and Deacon Konstantin Chupachenko, serve with him.
Shrines of the temple
The Church of Peter and Paul preserves many relics, including:
– relics of the Apostles Peter and Paul,
– fragments of the relics of the saints of Kiev Caves,
- relics of St. and Righteous Anna,
– relics of the New Martyrs of Kazakhstan,
– icons of the Mother of God of Byzantine letters, Matrona of Moscow and the Iveron Mother of God.
Regular prayer services and services for the health and well-being of the faithful are held in front of the icons.
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How to get there and visit
The Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul is located in Almaty at 14 Kazybek Tauasaruly Street, Bostandyk district, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°11'37"N 76°53'47"E
To get to the temple, you can take your own car or taxi. If you choose a bus, then the routes are suitable № 15, 30, 31, 32, 34, 38, 63, 67, 77, 86, 101, 103, 116, 135, 211 – get off at the Arman bus station on Al-Farabi Avenue and walk 250 meters.
Working hours: daily from 08:00 to 17:30
Contacts: +7 727 302 15 44
Official website of the temple
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Legend and legend
There is a belief that if you light a candle on the feast day of the Apostles Peter and Paul and pray with a sincere request, the saints will surely hear it.
It is said that once a pair of white pigeons flew over the temple – they were perceived as a symbol of blessing. Since then, many parishioners have been convinced that if they hear birds singing under the domes during prayer, it is a sign that their prayer will be fulfilled.
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