07-01-2025, Brussels

The clergy of the Brussels-Belgium Diocese congratulated Archbishop Simon on the Nativity of Christ.

Traditionally, on the evening of the Nativity of Christ, the clergy and flock of the Brussels-Belgium Diocese gather in the chambers of the ruling bishop, Archbishop Simon of Brussels and Belgium, to congratulate him on the bright holiday of the coming of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, into the world. On this evening, Archbishop Simon prepares traditional Christmas treats, sweets, dried fruits, and drinks.

The celebration begins in St. Nicholas Cathedral with the glorification of Christ. Those gathered sing the troparion, the kontakion of the Nativity of Christ, other festive hymns, and Archbishop Simon is proclaimed many years. After the words of greeting, everyone goes up to the floor, where a table is set for those gathered. Here, those who wish sing carols and share their impressions of the past services in different churches of the country in fraternal fellowship. Archbishop Simon gives planned instructions concerning the life of the diocese in the new year.

This year, carols were sung in Russian, Ukrainian and Greek. An interesting conversation took place about the evangelical Magi. Priests, deacons, subdeacons, members of the diocesan choirs and parishioners of the churches expressed their good wishes to each other, ending the celebration with a common longevity.