The Russian Orthodox Church, led by Gundyaev, holds significant influence in Kazakhstan, more so than in other Central Asian countries.
This statement was made in an interview with Glavkom by Turar Kusainov, an activist advocating for the independence of Kazakh Orthodoxy and the leader of the Demos public association.
Kusainov expressed his views by saying, “I believe that the Russian Orthodox Church functions like an FSB-like organization, and the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan serves as an ideological and propaganda branch of the Russian special services within our borders.”
He recounted that when he learned that Patriarch Kirill would be attending the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Kazakhstan, he applied for a solo picket. He regards Kirill as a "preacher of war," claiming that he, along with Putin, has instigated violence in Ukraine.
“A person who blesses the killing of his Orthodox brothers has no moral right to be in Kazakhstan! However, the Kazakh authorities denied my request to hold a picket,” Kusainov explained.
According to Kusainov, the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) exercises significant influence over the Orthodox community, particularly in Northern Kazakhstan.
"Russian mass propaganda is still actively operational in our country — through television, media, and various outlets," he stated. "Many Russian relocants, who fled Putin's mobilization, might also support the ‘Russian world’. The Russian lobby is quite active here, with the ROC being its primary mouthpiece."
While the ROC cannot openly endorse Russia's military actions in its public sermons, due to Kazakhstan’s position as a neutral country, there are still ideological Orthodox Christians who hold faith in the ROC and Patriarch Kirill. Additionally, there are "Soviet" individuals influenced by Kremlin propaganda, many of whom feel nostalgic for the USSR and Russian culture. This group includes not only ethnic Russians but also certain Kazakhs who have embraced this ideological perspective.
"The reality is that, due to an ideological vacuum, people here are seeking some form of foundation and gravitating toward extremes: whether it’s Islamism, the soft power of China, or the ‘Russian world,’ as Putin clearly views Kazakhstan as his colony. An ideological struggle is underway for the minds of the people in Kazakhstan — not as much through television anymore, but via the internet. The Russian Orthodox Church plays a significant role in this struggle," concluded the activist.