Prague, 23 October 2026 - During a working visit to the South Bohemian Region, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Czech Republic Kairat Abdrakhmanov visited the Cistercian monastery in Vyšší Brod, where he met with the Prior, Father Justin Jan Berka, and toured the monastery complex.
Founded in 1259 by members of the Rosenberg family, Vyšší Brod Monastery has held an important place in the spiritual and cultural life of South Bohemia for more than seven and a half centuries. Today, it holds national cultural monument status and remains an active religious centre where the traditions of Cistercian monasticism continue.
Of particular value are the monastery’s architectural ensemble, the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, its historic library and its collections of sacred art. Among its most renowned relics is the Záviš Cross, an outstanding example of medieval goldsmithing of European significance. The preservation of these treasures makes the monastery an important centre for the study of the region’s history, culture and spiritual traditions.
The monastery’s ties with Kazakhstan also deserve particular attention. In June 2018, Athanasius Schneider, Auxiliary Bishop of Astana, celebrated a solemn liturgy and administered the Sacrament of Confirmation at the monastery. In September 2026, he took part in a priestly ordination at the Cistercian monastery in Vyšší Brod. These contacts exemplify the spiritual ties between representatives of the Catholic communities of Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic, who hold in high regard the initiatives of Kazakhstan’s leadership to convene the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.
During the tour, the Kazakh delegation learned about the monastery’s history and cultural heritage. The visit offered a deeper understanding of the traditions of monastic life and the significance of centuries of work to preserve historical memory.
The visit formed part of a broader introduction to the cultural and spiritual diversity of the South Bohemian Region, highlighting the importance of cultural and people-to-people contacts in strengthening mutual understanding between the peoples of Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic.
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