Tibor Albert, Vice President Western Europe International Association of UN Peacekeepers "Soldiers of Peace" (AISP-SPIA), President Confédération Européenne des Anciens Combattants et Militaires Brabant (C.E.A.C.), Serhii Samoilov, Director of youth programs International Association of UN Peacekeepers "Soldiers of Peace" (AISP/SPIA), founder of International projects "School of Peace" and "Young peacemakers" took part in the solemn mass on the occasion of King's Day, Te Deum, on November 15, 2024, in center of Brussels, in the St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral.
In an atmosphere of united hearts, pride and mutual respect, the Ceremony was attended by Belgium's former King Albert II, Prince Laurent, Princess Astrid and Prince Lorenz .
King's Day (Fête du Roi in French, Koningsdag in Dutch) is celebrated annually on 15 November in honour of the King. However, King Philippe, Queen Mathilde and their four children were not present at the celebration, as tradition dictates that the King "does not celebrate himself."
Former Queen Paola and Princess Claire were absent from the celebration as well. The Queen suffered a minor fall in early November and will have to rest for four weeks.
The celebration was led by Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels, Luc Terlinden, who started by wishing Queen Paola a speedy recovery. He also spoke about the victims of the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine and the floods in Spain.
Archbishop Luc Terlinden, combining tradition and innovation, addressed those present, among whom were the youngest participants - schoolchildren, and gray-haired veterans, representatives of patriotic organizations, government officials and the diplomatic corps. The address emphasized the problems of modern society that can sometimes cloud the hearts and souls of people - fake news, artificial intelligence, social networks.
The presence of ambassadors of foreign countries and religious denominations is very important. We all joined the royal family on this day. Belgium's outgoing Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (Open VLD) and outgoing Home Affairs Minister Annelies Verlinden (CD&V) arrived at the cathedral.
It should be especially noted, King's Day has been celebrated in Belgium since 1866. It is not a national holiday, but federal government institutions are closed.
The monarchy of Belgium is the constitutional and hereditary institution of the monarchical head of the state of Belgium. As a popular monarchy, the Belgian monarch uses the title king/queen of the Belgians[a] and serves as the country's head of state and commander-in-chief of the Belgian Armed Forces.As a hereditary constitutional monarchy system, the role and operation of Belgium's monarchy are governed by the Constitution. The royal office of King is designated solely for a descendant of the first King of the Belgians, Leopold I.(Reign 21 July 1831 – 10 December 1865).
There have been seven Belgian monarchs since independence in 1830.The incumbent, Philippe, ascended the throne on 21 July 2013, following the abdication of his father Albert II.
Royal Holiday, 15 November Since 1866, the "Royal Holiday" has been celebrated on 15 November, the name day of Leopold (in the Germanic calendar) and Albert (general calendar).
The name "Dynasty Holiday" was used during the Regency of Prince Charles (1944 -1950). This name was erroneous, however, as was emphasized by a circular from the Minister of the Interior in 1953.
About the place.
A chapel dedicated to St Michael was probably built here as early as the 9th century. In the 11 th century it was rep!aced by a Romanesque church which became a “collegiale church” in 1047. The relics of St Gudula were transferred there. From then onwards, it became known as “the collegiale church of St Michae! and St Gudula”. In February 1962, it was given cathedral status, and since then it has been the seat of the Archbishop of Malines-Brussels, together with St Rombouts cathedral in Malines. The building of the present church in Gothic “Brabançon” style began with the choir in 1226. Works of art: stained glass window (16th century), confessionals (16th century), pulpit (17th century), carillon (1975). A thorough restauration of the cathedra! was carried out between 1983 and November 1999. Remains of a Romanesque church were discovered, as weIl as a Romanesque crypt under the choir.
Special thanks for the invitation and the opportunity to attend Imosphinx Academy Belgium, particularly Président: Mr. PLAITIN Thierry. "Let us never forget the past,
let's build the future together, for our children and grandchildren ! "https://servio-belgium.be/fr/associations/52-imosphinx
We, veterans, are proud to be present on this day at the King's Day together with the royal family, diplomats, clergy and the public. A special place in our hearts is occupied by communication with young people and teachers. Our banners in the colors of the national flag are ready to serve the cause of peace!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarchy_of_Belgium
https://www.cathedralisbruxellensis.be/en/history/
Copyright - Sofia Bondarenko, Assistant Director of youth programs International Association of UN Peacekeepers "Soldiers of Peace" (AISP/SPIA). With reference to the specified sources.