Russian embassy marks Victory Day anniversary with ‘Immortal Regiment’ march (photo credit of Russian House in Cairo)
At the Russian House in Cairo, the Russian Embassy in Egypt organized the annual Immortal Regiment march in cooperation with the Coordinating Council of the Russian Community in Egypt. The event brought together members of the Russian community, Egyptian participants, diplomats, and representatives of several friendly countries.
Participants carried portraits of relatives who fought on the frontlines, worked in the rear during the war, or contributed to the Soviet victory during what Russians refer to as the Great Patriotic War (1941–1945). For many families, the march has become an annual tradition aimed at preserving the memory of previous generations and honouring wartime sacrifices.
Yuri Matveev, Russia’s chargé d’affaires in Egypt and Vadim Zaychikov, director of Russian Cultural Centres in Egypt at the photo exhibition
Vadim Zaychikov, director of Russian Cultural Centres in Egypt, stressed the importance of preserving historical truth and introducing younger generations to the history and heroism of their ancestors.
“The Immortal Regiment represents a living link between generations and brings together people of different ages and nationalities through a shared sense of gratitude and respect for the heroes of victory,” Zaychikov said.
The Russian Cultural Centre in Dokki was decorated with Victory Day flags and wartime symbols, while guests were welcomed with Saint George ribbons, a traditional emblem associated with remembrance and victory in Russia. A number of children attended wearing Soviet-era military uniforms in tribute to veterans of World War II.
The celebrations featured a commemorative photo corner displaying vintage military equipment and historic communication devices used during the war years. Russian folk music and wartime songs filled the venue, creating a festive atmosphere.
The official ceremony opened with remarks by Yuri Matveev, Russia’s chargé d’affaires in Egypt, who described the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany as a sacred day in the collective memory of the Russian people and all those who honour the sacrifices of the Red Army and Soviet nations during World War II.
Arseny Matyushenko, director of the Russian House in Alexandria, celebrates the Victory Day
Matveev said 9 May remains a symbol of pride in the sacrifices made by previous generations who fought what he described as “absolute evil” and gave millions of lives in defence of humanity and in defeating Nazism.
He stressed the importance of preserving historical memory and rejecting attempts to distort the history of the war.
He noted that people from across the former Soviet republics fought side by side within the ranks of the Red Army. He added that Russia continues to draw strength from this legacy in confronting present-day challenges and values the support of its friends around the world, including Egypt.
Guests also toured a photography exhibition by Russian artist Andrei Lobanov dedicated to the Victory Parade in Moscow’s Red Square.
Russian House ballet troupe and choir
The Immortal Regiment has evolved into an international grassroots movement, with millions of people participating annually in marches around the world carrying portraits of relatives from the wartime generation in a collective act of remembrance and tribute.
Meanwhile, the Russian House in Alexandria organized a separate celebration in cooperation with volunteers from the Victory 75 team, attended by Karen Vassilian, Russia’s consul general in Alexandria.
Children from the Russian community carried portraits of relatives who participated in the war
Arseny Matyushenko, director of the Russian House in Alexandria, pointed that the anniversary serves not only as an important historical occasion for Russia but also as an opportunity to strengthen cultural dialogue and friendship between Egypt and Russia.
The Alexandria event featured artistic performances by the Russian House ballet troupe and choir, which presented folk songs commemorating the wartime generation. Participants also gathered for commemorative photographs.
Short link: