How Orthodox Christmas Is Celebrated in Central Asia

Orthodox Christmas, observed on January 7, holds a significant place in Central Asia, even in predominantly Muslim countries such as Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. This article explores how the holiday is celebrated in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Kazakhstan Orthodox Christmas in Kazakhstan is a public holiday, alongside the Muslim celebration of Kurban-Ayt (Eid al-Adha). This recognition stems from the efforts of Kazakhstan's first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, who proposed in 2005 during the XI session of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan to declare both holidays as non-working days. Despite opposition from the Constitutional Court, which cited the country's secular constitution, members of the parliamentary faction Asar, led by Nazarbayev's daughter Dariga Nazarbayeva, and the presidential party Otan amended the Labor Code to accommodate these holidays. Since then, Orthodox Christmas and Kurban-Ayt have been official holidays. Celebrations in major cities include festive liturgies. In Almaty, the Ascension Cathedral holds a service beginning at 11pm on January 6, followed by a midnight procession. In Astana, the Assumption Cathedral similarly hosts a midnight service. For those unable to attend, events from the Assumption Cathedral are live-streamed on the YouTube channel “Live Broadcasts of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan.” Uzbekistan Orthodox Christians comprise 4-5% of Uzbekistan’s population of over 37.5 million. Uzbekistan is part of the Tashkent and Uzbekistan Diocese under the Russian Orthodox Church. The Cathedral of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Tashkent is the focal point of Christmas celebrations. Services begin at 11.30pm on January 6 and end at 3.30am. To ensure maximum participation, the cathedral holds five separate liturgies. Metropolitan Vikenty of the Tashkent and Uzbekistan Diocese explains, “Traditionally, the liturgy was held at night because the Nativity of Christ took place at night. But not everyone can attend a night service, so we perform several liturgies.” Kyrgyzstan Approximately 350,000 Orthodox Christians live in Kyrgyzstan, according to Bishop Daniel of Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan. The country is part of the Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church. January 7 is a public holiday in Kyrgyzstan, aligning with the extended New Year vacations, which last from January 1 to 7. Festive services are held at the Resurrection Cathedral and the Church of the Holy Prince Vladimir in Bishkek. Tajikistan In Tajikistan, the Orthodox Christian community numbers around 80,000, or 1.2% of the population, though regular church attendance is much smaller. The country is under the jurisdiction of the Dushanbe Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church. Christmas services are held at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Dushanbe, beginning at 11pm on January 6 and lasting about three hours. The diocese oversees six churches in Tajikistan, served by five priests. Turkmenistan As of 2019, Turkmenistan’s Orthodox Christian population is about 485,000, or 9% of the total population. All Orthodox parishes are under the Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church, established in 2007. Services on Christmas Eve and January 6 are conducted in all 12 Orthodox churches in Turkmenistan, adhering strictly to church traditions. According to Archpriest John, dean of...

Kazakhstan to Build Religious Memorial on Site of Stalin-Era Executions

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has approved the construction of a mosque and an Orthodox chapel at the historic Lisya Balka site in Shymkent, a location associated with mass executions during the years of political repression. Metropolitan Alexander, head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, announced at a press conference that the initiative was proposed by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. He highlighted that Lisya Balka is the final resting place for victims of repression, including representatives of Kazakhstan’s two major religious communities - Islam and Orthodoxy. “The initiative of His Holiness was considered and approved by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev,” Metropolitan Alexander stated, adding that the chapel project has already received official approval. Lisya Balka was a site of mass shootings during 1937–1938, one of the darkest periods of Stalinist repression. Victims included individuals from various religious backgrounds, notably around 60 exiled Orthodox priests and ministers of the Russian Orthodox Church. After the Soviet Union’s collapse, the Kasiret (“Sorrow”) memorial complex was established at the site to honor those who perished. The Orthodox Church canonized several of those executed at Lisya Balka, referring to them as “innocent sufferers for Orthodoxy.” However, historians emphasize that the victims included adherents of diverse religions, such as Islam, Catholicism, Judaism, and Buddhism. The construction of the mosque and chapel seeks to preserve the memory of these tragic events while fostering interfaith harmony in Kazakhstan. By commemorating the innocent victims of various faiths, the project aligns with the country’s broader efforts to promote unity among its multi-religious population.