09-10-2025

Archbishop Simon of Brussels and Belgium was awarded the title of "Honorary Member of the St. Petersburg Theological Academy."

On October 9, the St. Petersburg Theological Academy celebrated its patronal feast day—the feast of the Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian.

Metropolitan Barsanuphius of St. Petersburg and Ladoga celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the Academy's church, co-served by Archbishop Simon of Brussels and Belgium, Bishop Silouan of Peterhof, Rector of the Theological School, and the Academy's faculty and clergy.

Following the Divine Liturgy, faculty, students, and guests of the Theological Academy gathered in the assembly hall for a ceremony, during which Archpriest Dimitry Sizonenko, Secretary of the Academic Council, read the biography of Archbishop Simon of Brussels and Belgium. He then announced to those gathered that the Academy's Academic Council had awarded Archbishop Simon the title of "Honorary Member of the St. Petersburg Theological Academy."

Following this, Bishop Silouan of Peterhof, Rector of the St. Petersburg Theological Academy, ceremoniously presented the certificate conferring this honorary title.

In turn, Archbishop Simon addressed those present with a word of gratitude, recalling his studies at his alma mater and speaking about the contemporary challenges facing clergy worldwide. The archpastor called on everyone to be prepared for these challenges and to continue to pray for those serving beyond the borders of their homeland.

The clergy of the Brussels and Belgium Diocese congratulate our dear Archbishop Simon on this well-deserved award—the designation of "Honorary Member of the St. Petersburg Theological Academy."