On November 23, a solemn memorial service was held at the Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Brussels to honor Russian participants of World War I. The event was attended by the Russian Ambassador to Belgium, Alexander Avrelevich Tokovinin, descendants of the “first wave” émigrés, compatriots, and staff of the Russian House in Brussels.

The ceremony was part of a series of events dedicated to commemorating Russian soldiers who fell on the fronts of the Great War. The service was conducted in an atmosphere of deep respect and gratitude toward those who gave their lives for their homeland.

The event was highlighted by the words of the Archbishop:
“I remember the days when we used to perform funeral services for our parishioners and cover their coffins with the banners of those who fought in that distant war. Today, there is no one left among us who participated in that terrible war. And although Russia is not listed among the countries that triumphed in World War I, we all know how much effort it invested to ensure that victory. We need only recall the significance of the Brusilov Offensive for that war. We also know that people from Russia fought not only on the Eastern Front but also on the Western Front, alongside those soldiers who later shared in this victory, commemorated in Belgium on November 11.

Today, I urge everyone to remember those individuals who, from both East and West, fought for a common victory. But due to the events that later transpired in Russia, they did not share in the victory celebrations with the nations that mark November 11 as Armistice Day. Let us honor them with a shared prayer.”

The Russian House in Brussels continues its tradition of organizing commemorative events dedicated to significant historical occasions. Detailed information about past and upcoming events can be found on the official website of the Russian House.