09-05-2026, Brussels

Archbishop Simon of Brussels and Belgium and diocesan clergy traditionally laid wreaths at the memorial to Soviet soldiers and members of the Belgian Anti-Fascist Resistance as part of the Victory Day celebrations.

Every year on Victory Day, Archbishop Simon of Brussels and Belgium and diocesan clergy lay wreaths at the Brussels-Ever Cemetery, at the monument to Soviet soldiers and the memorial to Belgian anti-fascists. The Archbishop himself established this tradition over thirty years ago. On this day, ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom of Belgium, diplomats, members of the public, and representatives of the Russian-speaking diaspora gather to honor the memory of those who fell in the liberation of Europe from fascism.

The ceremony traditionally begins with a moment of silence, after which the heads of embassies lay wreaths. The ceremony concludes with the laying of wreaths from the Brussels and Belgian Archdiocese, the three-fold singing of the troparion "Christ is Risen",  and the Paschal greeting.

This year, Archbishop Simon was accompanied by Priest Adrian Alaoui, Priest Alexander Tsabiev, Deacon Vladimir Gabernik, and Archpriest Pavel Nedosekin, diocesan secretary.