His Excellency Oleg Stepanov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Canada
with historian and author Paul Gilbert, during a reception held at the
Russian Embassy in Ottawa, Canada on 11th June 2026

On Thursday, 11th June 2026, I celebrated Russia National Day on “Russian soil” in Canada. I was just one of the guests invited to attend a reception held at the Russian Embassy in Ottawa. I was truly honoured to be invited to this event, as it gave me an opportunity to celebrate my heartfel love for Russia, it’s history and it’s people.

I travelled to our nation’s capital by train, a four-hour journey from where I currently live. I have not been on a Canadian train since I was 4 years old – that was 65 years ago!! As this was a special occasion, I decided to travel Business Class, which made the journey all the more enjoyable. I was served a hot breakfast on the way to Ottawa, and a hot dinner on the way home, the latter of which was served with a delightful red wine from the Niagara region of Ontario. I appreciated the extra perks that came with Business Class, such as use of the Business Class Lounge in Ottawa and priority boarding.

PHOTO: In the foreground, Paul Gilbert with Oleg Stepanov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Canada and his wife Mrs. Julia Stepanova, during a reception held at the Russian Embassy in Ottawa, Canada on 11th June 2026

Upon arrived each guest was warmly greeted by His Excellency Oleg Stepanov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Canada and his wife Mrs. Julia Stepanova. All the guests were photographed with their hosts.

Between 100-200 people attended the reception. They included ambassadors and other diplomats from countries friendly to Russia, Orthodox priests, academics, historians, among others. The guests – both gentlemen and ladies were impeccably dressed for the event.

After all the guests had arrived, His Excellency gave a speech followed by a toast, wishing every one present a “Happy Russia National Day’. A buffet of Russian delicacies was offered to guests, the main tale of which was crowned with a Russian samovar.

It was a very friendly event: smiling guests mingled and chatted, while clinking glasses. I met some very interesting people, and my tie received a number of compliments. I had ordered a special white, blue and red tie – the colour of the Russian flag for the event. I also had an opportunity of speaking with His Excellency and His wife privately, in which we discussed Russian history and other mutual interests.

PHOTO: my invitation to attend a reception in honour of Russia National Day
held at the Russian Embassy in Ottawa, Canada on 11th June 2026

Russia Day is the national holiday of the Russian Federation, celebrated annually on 12th June. It commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty by the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR) in 1990, marking the beginning of the country’s modern constitutional history.

The holiday was originally known as Independence Day and later renamed “Day of Adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty” before officially becoming Russia Day in 2002. It is a national public holiday in Russia, characterized by a day off for the general population. Celebrations focus on national pride, unity, and heritage, and typically include award ceremonies, festive events and fireworks.

С Днем России всем моим друзьям в России!

Happy Russia Day to all my friends in Russia!

© Paul Gilbert. 12 June 2026