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The Christmas Ball at the Embassy
On January 8 the Russian Embassy opened its doors for the Swedish and foreign guests to celebrate the Russian Orthodox Christmas. The chosen form of the evening – Fancy Dress Ball – won the hearts of the invitees and became a tradition in Stockholm cultural life. The masquerade was opened by the Ambassador Alexander Kadakin:
Merry and Joyous Christmas and a very happy New Year to everybody!
The universal message of this festive season is that we raise our prayers and glasses in an invocation of peace, tranquility, health and prosperity on earth.
Tonight we have brought special guests – the virtuosos from St. Petersburg, Ensemble MAESTRO. They are well known throughout Russia. The program consists of two parts, each for about half-hour, with a short intermission in-between. But, meanwhile, please do partake of the traditional Russian ‘pirozhkis’, the famous Siberian ‘pelmenis’ (dumplings) and – naturally – the best vodka in the world! The three thousand ‘pelmenis’ were hand cooked by the ladies of my Embassy.
The Wise Men in the Bible were led by the star. According to an ancient Orthodox tradition, the Christmas Eve supper, likewise, could start only after the first star began to twinkle in the night winter sky. The Foreign Minister has arrived with his charming wife and son, as well as all our distinguished guests, and so, we can easily kick our Fancy Ball rolling!
Enjoy it in full measure! Anything goes at the former Gjorwellsgatan fortress tonight!
Thank you.
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