Memorial service for Russian soldiers who died in World War I held in Brussels

DECR Communication Service, 13/11/2025

The Ixelles cemetery in Brussels contains thirteen graves of Russian soldiers who died in World War I for the freedom of the Kingdom of Belgium. Traditionally, on November 11, the Belgian national holiday, "Reconciliation Day," representatives of the Embassy of the Russian Federation, the Russian Orthodox Church, various organizations of the émigré community and the Russian diaspora gather at the war memorial in the Ixelles cemetery to commemorate the fallen soldiers.

In 2025, the memorial ceremony began with an address by Mr Denis Gonchar, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Kingdom of Belgium. The Ambassador spoke about the military assistance provided by the Russian state in defending Belgium and France during World War I.

With the blessing of Archbishop Simon of Brussels and Belgium, the diocesan clergy celebrated the memorial litiya for all the slain commanders and soldiers. Performing memorial hymns during the service was a trio from the archdiocesan youth choir, website of the Diocese reports.

Laid at the memorial were wreaths from the Russian Embassy in Belgium, the Russian Cultural Center and various public organizations.

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Memorial service for Russian soldiers who died in World War I held in Brussels

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons