07-01-2026, Antwerp

Nativity of Christ in Antwerp.

On the night of the Nativity of Christ, Archbishop Simon of Brussels and Belgium celebrated a solemn midnight service at the Church of the Nativity of Christ in Antwerp.

On the church's patronal feast day, a festive matins service was celebrated at 10:00 PM, followed by the hierarchical Divine Liturgy. His Eminence was assisted by church clergy, Priest Kliment Samovarov and Deacon Oleg Ageenko. The parish choir, under the direction of E. A. Lanskaya, sang the hymns for the service.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the three hymns of the Plural Years were sung, followed by a festive meal. During the meal, congratulations and Plural Years continued, and all those gathered were able to share in the joy of the common patronal feast of the Nativity of Christ.

In the morning, the late Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the church, led by the rector, Priest John Nedosekin, and Deacon Vladimir Shitikov, a cleric. A section of the parish choir, directed by E.A. Lanskaya, also sang during the service.

After the service, all those present gathered in the church refectory to glorify Christ and share in the joy of the celebration.