Spiritual symbol of faith and inner fortitude in the heart of the southern capital -
The memory of a Christian deed, addressed to a modern city -
The monument to the heavenly patronesses of Semirechye – the martyrs Vera, Nadezhda, Lyubov and Sofia – occupies a special place in the spiritual space of Almaty. It is located on the square in front of the Iversko-Serafimovsky Monastery and is perceived not just as an artistic object, but as a sign of quiet prayer addressed to history, faith and the human soul.
This monument has become an important symbol for believers and a prominent point on the cultural and spiritual route of the city, connecting the Orthodox tradition with the modern rhythm of the metropolis.
History
The opening and consecration of the monument took place on October 26, 2018 in Almaty. The ceremony took place after the Divine Liturgy in St. Sophia Cathedral of the Iversko-Serafimovsky Monastery. The monument was erected on the square in front of the spiritual, cultural and administrative center of the Metropolitan Joseph (Chernov) Kazakhstan Metropolitan District.
The monument was a gift to the Iversko-Serafimovsky Monastery, residents and guests of the city from benefactors and was timed to coincide with several significant dates at once: the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Metropolitan District of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Republic of Kazakhstan, the 110th anniversary of the monastery's foundation and the 15th anniversary of its revival.
Before the opening, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan addressed the clergy and faithful with a sermon on the significance of the martyrdom in the history of the Church and on the spiritual power that the images of the holy martyrs carry for modern man. After removing the white veil, a prayer was offered for the consecration of the monument and sprinkling of holy water on it. The ceremony ended with the laying of flowers and the singing of the church troparion.
The monument was designed by the Cultural Commission of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District and approved by Metropolitan Alexander.
Architecture and artistic image
The sculptural composition is made of bronze and mounted on a massive granite pedestal. The production was carried out at one of the leading foundries in Almaty, the Taykazan plant, known for the high quality of artistic casting.
The author of the monument is the famous Kazakhstani sculptor Alibek Nurlanovich Mergenov, a member of the Union of Artists of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a laureate of international and national art competitions. His works are distinguished by expressive plasticity and deep symbolism, which is especially noticeable in this composition.
Yulia Bondarenko, an Alma Ata artist and designer, took part in the creation of the artistic image. The joint work made it possible to achieve harmony between the spiritual content and the visual expressiveness of the monument.
The figures of Saints Vera, Nadezhda, Lyubov and their mother Sofia are designed with restraint and nobility. There is no external drama in the composition, instead there is inner strength, calmness and bright sorrow, emphasizing the meaning of the martyrdom.
---------------------------------------------
How to get there and visit -
The monument to the heavenly patronesses of Semirechye, the martyrs Vera, Nadezhda, Lyubov and Sofia, is located in Almaty on the territory of the Iversko–Serafimovsky Monastery at 302 Latifa Hamidi Street, corner of Mukhamedzhanova Street, next to St. Sophia Cathedral, Medeu district, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°16'10"N 76°57'31"E
The place is easily accessible by public transport, private car or taxi.
A visit to the monument is possible at any time during the monastery's opening hours, admission is free. It is best to come in the morning or evening hours, when the territory is especially quiet and peaceful.
---------------------------------------------
Atmosphere and meaning
The monument is perceived as a place of silence and concentration. Parishioners of the monastery, pilgrims and random passers-by often stop here. It does not dominate the space, but gently fits into it, creating a sense of peace and spiritual balance.
For Almaty, the monument has become not only a religious symbol, but also an important part of the urban cultural environment. He reminds us that in the history of Semirechye, faith has always been a pillar, and spiritual values have always been a part of everyday life.
Legend and legend
There is a tradition among believers that the holy martyrs did not become the heavenly patronesses of Semirechye by chance. It is believed that their images symbolize the spiritual resilience of this region, where different cultures and faiths have coexisted side by side for centuries.
They say that if you stand by the monument in silence and mentally turn to Faith, Hope and Love, your heart gradually fills with peace, and worries recede. Thus, the monument continues to fulfill its main purpose – to be a source of inner light and a reminder of eternal values.
Photogallery:
