Russia’s most famous icon handed over from museum to church despite protests

On Trinity Sunday, Orthodox Christians in Russia rejoiced as the country’s most renowned religious artifact was moved from its museum home to the principal cathedral in Moscow, despite vehement objections from the museum curators.

The esteemed Trinity icon, a creation of Andrei Rublev, had been housed at Moscow’s Tretyakov Gallery since the 1920s. On President Vladimir Putin’s personal directive, the icon was relocated to Christ the Savior Cathedral just before the holiday.

The sudden decision by Putin to transfer the 15th-century artifact to the church faced severe backlash from the Tretyakov custodians. They cautioned that the icon’s fragile state and its need for continuous care could cause severe deterioration if moved.

In reaction, Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill dismissed a high-ranking priest who supported the museum’s advice to retain the icon at the Tretyakov Gallery. On Sunday, Kirill conducted a liturgy at the cathedral, attended by hundreds of worshippers, including several officials.

The debate surrounding the icon intensified on Saturday when Kirill announced that the religious relic would remain in the cathedral for one year. Contrarily, both the Culture Ministry and the Tretyakov Gallery stated their expectation of the icon’s return in a fortnight.

In July 2022, the Tretyakov Gallery had temporarily loaned the icon to the Russian Orthodox Church. It was displayed at the Trinity Cathedral of the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius monastery in Sergiev Posad, its original location. Upon its return, the museum reported 61 detrimental alterations to the icon’s condition.

Many observers interpret Putin’s insistence on transferring the icon to the cathedral, in spite of the museum workers’ strong objections, as indicative of his intent to bolster relations with the church. This church has been a staunch supporter of the Russian military campaign in Ukraine. Others interpret the move as indicative of Putin’s belief in the icon’s miraculous powers in the face of difficulties in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about ​

More about ​

• Andrei Rublev’s Trinity Icon
• The Controversy over the Transfer of the Trinity Icon
• The Tretyakov Gallery
• Russian Orthodox Church
• Russian Military Campaign in Ukraine