METROPOLIATE DISTRICT OF KAZAKHSTAN: January 24, 2012
The Relics of SS Elizabeth and Barbara Visit the Petropavlovsk Diocese

On January 20, 2012, the relics of Holy Martyrs Grand Duchess Elizabeth and Nun Barbara, visiting Kazakhstan with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, were brought to the Petropavlovsk Diocese of the Metropoliate of Kazakhstan in Northern Kazakhstan oblast.

The first population center the holy relics were taken to was the town of Novoishimskoye. Over a thousand believers were able to venerate them here. The reliquary was then escorted by police vehicles to the city of Sergeevka, then to the town of Yavlenka.

At 8 pm, the relics arrived at Petropavlovsk Cathedral, where they were greeted by the clergymen and flock, headed by His Grace Bishop Gury of Petropavlovsk and Bulaevo. Upon their arrival, a moleben and akathist were performed, after which the relics were offered for veneration. Everyone who approached also received a small icon of the two saints.

The following day, the relics were escorted by Bishop Gury to the Bulaevo Cathedral, where Divine Liturgy was celebrated, followed by a moleben and akathist.

On January 23, the holy relics were brought to the Church of Archangel Michael in Presnovka, then the Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in Mamliutka.

On January 24, the parishioners of All-Saints Church in Petropavlovsk were given the opportunity to venerate the relics, and Vladyka Gury performed a moleben and akathist. Later that day, the reliquary was brought to the Church of St Seraphim of Sarov in the town of Smirnovo, as well as Protection Church in the city of Tayinsha.  

During their visit to Petropavlovsk Diocese, some eleven thousand faithful were able to venerate the relics.

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