OPENING OF THE ACADEMIC YEAR

On 11 November 2026, the solemn opening of a new year of formation at the Mary, Mother of the Church Interdiocesan Major Seminary took place at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Fatima and Mother of All Nations in Karaganda.

The celebration was attended by the ordinaries of Kazakhstan, including Mitred Archpriest Vasyl Hovera, Apostolic Administrator for Catholics of the Byzantine Rite in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

The formal ceremony began with an address by the seminary’s rector, Fr Ruslan Rakhimberlinov, who briefly reviewed the previous year and outlined the seminary’s current situation. The formal presentations followed.

Monsignor Vincenzo Marinelli, Secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature to the Republic of Kazakhstan, then addressed those gathered.

The celebration concluded with Holy Mass celebrated over the relics of Blessed Władysław Bukowiński, patron of the Diocese of Karaganda. Bishop Piotr Pytlowany, Ordinary of the Diocese of Karaganda, presided at the Mass.

For many years, the seminary has provided formation for candidates for the priesthood of both the Latin and Byzantine rites. Seminarians regularly attend Byzantine Rite services, becoming familiar with the spiritual and liturgical heritage of the Christian East. The curriculum includes a dedicated course in Eastern theology, which has been taught for many years by priests of the Apostolic Administration.

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