Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan met with National Heroes of Kazakhstan, cosmonaut pilots of the Republic of Kazakhstan Talgat Amangeldievich Musabayev and Aydin Akanovich Aimbetov in the fireplace hall of the administrative and spiritual-cultural center of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan named after Equal-to–the-Apostles Cyril and Methodius.
Before the start of the communication, with the blessing of Metropolitan Alexander, Archimandrite Sergius conducted a tour of the main temple of Kazakhstan and the largest Christian church in Central Asia – the Assumption Cathedral.
T.A. Musabaev and A.A. Aimbetov told Metropolitan Alexander about their life path, professional development and many years of work in the field of Kazakh cosmonautics. The interlocutors noted that for a pilot who wants to carry out a space flight program, not only good physical shape and serious intellectual training are necessary, but also moral fortitude, high self-control, a sense of duty and camaraderie. According to the National Heroes, in Space, on board the international space station, the principles of peace and harmony lie in human relations, everyone is equal, everyone helps and trusts each other.
The archpastor told the guests about the life of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, which unites 10 dioceses on the territory of the Republic. Metropolitan Vladyka particularly noted the care of the clergy for the employees of the Baikonur cosmodrome and the crews of cosmonauts, for whom prayers for God's help in manned space flight are performed. The hierarch stressed that an Orthodox parish has existed in the city of Baikonur since 1992, and in 2005, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Baikonur cosmodrome, a newly built church in the name of the Great Martyr George the Victorious was opened. "Kazakhstan is rightfully called the space harbor of the Earth. I myself was lucky enough to be present at the launch of spaceships from Baikonur several times, to meet with the leadership of the cosmodrome and cosmonauts. The history of independence of our Republic is connected with the history of Kazakh cosmonautics. In 1991, the first Kazakh cosmonaut Toktar Aubakirov flew into Space. Over the years of independence, the republic has gained the status of a full–fledged space power," said, in particular, the Head of the Metropolitan District.
In attention to the works on patriotic education of the younger generation and strengthening church-public interaction on topical issues of our time, T.A. Musabayev and A.A. Aimbetov were awarded the highest award of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District – the Order of "Beibitshilik pen Kelisim" (Peace and Harmony).
"Your names are inscribed in the history of Russian and world cosmonautics. You have shown many people an example of fortitude and courage, fearlessness and love for your native country. Your position on the issues of patriotic education of the younger generation and your personal contribution to strengthening the interaction of healthy forces of society and followers of traditional religions in the Republic on topical issues of our time deserve sincere respect. I hope that, developing and acquiring new forms, this cooperation will bring good results for the benefit of multinational and multi-confessional Kazakhstan. It is a joy and honor for me to communicate with you, and to express my gratitude and appreciation for your feat," Metropolitan Alexander said, presenting the awards.

The participants of the meeting talked about the role of traditional religions in the life of modern Kazakh society, about the historical contribution of Islam, Hanafi Madhhab and Orthodoxy to the formation of a unique model of interethnic peace and interfaith harmony in the expanses of the Great Steppe.

The meeting was held in a warm, friendly atmosphere and ended with an exchange of well-wishes and souvenirs.