Solemn Ceremony in the EP: 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenauof

A solemn ceremony took place on Wednesday, 29 January 2025, in the plenary of the European Parliament, in Brussels, to mark the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The Committee of Representatives of the Orthodox Churches to the European Union (CROCEU) took part into the event through its General Secretary, Rev. Fr. George VALCU.

This year's event marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation, by Soviet troops, of the concentration camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau, on 27 January 1945. It highlighted the story of the Hungarian-born cellist Pál Hermann, who was murdered in the Holocaust. His Gagliano cello, saved from the Nazis and rediscovered decades later, is seen as a symbol of resilience and the enduring power of art.

The ceremony included a speech by Hermann’s daughter, Mrs. Corrie Hermann, and a performance of his music, by cellist Sam Lucas.

The full VIDEO recording of the event is available here: