The Kremlin donated a 15th-century masterpiece to the Russian Orthodox Church to support the war

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' led the service of the Holy Trinity with the icon of the Trinity, a work by Andrey Rublev of the 15th century, in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow, 4 June. Photo: Press Service of the Moscow Patriarchate/Reuters. invasion of Ukraine.

The decision to move the 600-year-old painting from the museum was criticized as reckless due to its fragile condition.

Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, led the Sunday service at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow next to the 15th-century Trinity by the medieval artist Andrei Rublev.

President Putin made the historic decision to return this miraculous icon,” — he said. “The icon will be in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior for a year, so that both Muscovites and guests of the capital can bow to this great shrine.”

Art historians call «Trinity» a masterpiece «The most important medieval artist in Russia.» It depicts three angels, who are considered the Holy Trinity and the embodiment of unity, peace, harmony, love and humility.

The video shows thousands of Russians lining up to look at the work being held in a glass case and guarded by two policemen.

President Vladimir Putin donated one of Russia's most famous religious icons to the Russian Orthodox Church. Photo: Planetpix/Alamy Live News/Alamy

But art historians have said that it is extremely irresponsible for the Kremlin to move the masterpiece and allow it to be displayed outside the sterilized framework of a modern museum.

“Moving the icon, whose state is already bordering on an emergency, will only accelerate the process of its destruction, stop which will be extremely difficult,” the letter from the Russian Academy of Sciences to the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation reads. years, when the communists gave it to the Tretyakov Museum. Last summer, the icon was briefly displayed at the Trinity Cathedral, and the Orthodox Church said it intended to place it there permanently.

Patriarch Kirill, suspected of being a former Soviet spy, was a staunch supporter of Putin's war in Ukraine and a key to its propaganda.

Mr. Putin believes the church has power over millions of Russians, especially in rural areas where they are more religious, and he makes sure he is seen in church on religious holidays.