07-05-2026, Brussels

Archbishop Simon and diocesan clergy attended a festive reception to mark Victory Day at the Embassy of the Russian Federation.

To mark Victory Day, a festive reception was held at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Brussels. Diplomats, employees of public organizations, and representatives of the Russian-speaking diaspora living in Belgium are invited to attend. Traditionally, Archbishop Simon of Brussels and Belgium and diocesan clergy attend the reception.

This year, at the beginning of the festive reception, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Kingdom of Belgium D.V. Gonchar addressed the audience with a welcoming speech in which he succinctly described the significance of victory in the Great Patriotic War. He briefly listed the countries and continents that were engulfed in humanity's confrontation and struggle against the rising fascism of that time. Following the welcoming remarks, those gathered were treated to a short vocal concert of wartime songs performed in Russian by the Dutch singer Victoria Pankratova. Among the songs performed were well-known "Blue Scarf," "Cranes," "Roads," and "The Fire Beats in a Tight Furnace".

The reception offered those gathered the opportunity to socialize in a warm, festive atmosphere.

Archbishop Simon was accompanied by Priest Adrian Alaoui, Priest Alexander Tsabiev, and Archpriest Pavel Nedosekin, diocesan secretary.