24-01-2026, Mechelen

Patronal Feast Day at the Parish of the Holy Epiphany.

On Saturday, January 24, the Parish of the Holy Epiphany celebrated its patronal feast day, bringing together clergy, parishioners, and distinguished guests. The festive service was led by Archbishop Simon of Brussels and Belgium.

His Eminence was assisted by:
Hieromonk Eusebius (Vaillant), Abbot of the Monastery of St. Nicholas of Myra in Hemelum (Netherlands), Archpriest Vadim Gurzhiy (Zwolle, Netherlands), Archpriest Alexander Yavorovsky, Archpriest Dimitry Fednov, Priest John Nedosekin, Priest Kliment Samovarov, Priest Alexander Nichiporuk, Priest Dimitry Yatsun, Priest Vladimir Putyatitsky, and Priest Georgy Starostin.

The deacons included: Deacon Vladimir Gabernik, Deacon Vladislav Abramov, Deacon Vladimir Shitikov, Deacon Oleg Ageenko, Deacon Stefan Devruy, and Deacon Daniil Dobrovinsky.

A special highlight of the celebration was the presence of distinguished guests—Luc Terlinden, Belgian prelate, Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels, and Primate of Belgium. He was accompanied by Deacon Koen Jacobs, a longtime friend of the parish. Their participation was a living testimony to the warm and fraternal relations between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the Great Blessing of Water was performed.

In his sermon, Archbishop Simon noted that the parish was now 12 years old, and during this time it had moved to three different liturgical buildings, a feat made possible by the assistance and support of the Roman Catholic Church. Archbishop Simon expressed his sincere gratitude to all who support the life and development of the parish.

As a sign of fraternal love and spiritual unity, Archbishop Simon presented Archbishop Luke with an icon of all the saints who shone forth in the Belgian land, painted especially for him. These saints are the heavenly patrons of the faithful, strengthening them in faith and uniting them in prayer.

The celebration concluded with a communal meal, during which warm congratulations and wishes for many years were exchanged. Guests enjoyed live music—violin pieces were performed, as well as Christmas carols glorifying the birth of the Divine Infant.