Russian army performs concert for Pope’s 26th anniversary, receives blessing

Vatican City, Oct 17, 2004 / 22:00 pm

On Saturday October 16, The Russian Army choir, orchestra and ballet corps performed in honor of Pope John Paul II’s 26th anniversary of his election to the papacy.

The concert, which took place in the Paul VI Hall consisted of traditional Russian folklore music and dance, including songs about the Red Army, war and several traditional ones such as "Kalinka."

After thanking the performers for the concert and expressing his affection for "the noble Russian people," the Holy Father invoked on them "the protection of the 'Mother of God' of Kazan, whose icon recently returned to Russia, a land very dear to me."