Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered Moscow’s state-run Tretyakov Gallery Arts Museum to hand over the country's Trinity icon, by medieval painter Andrei Rublyov, to the Russian Orthodox Church. The church said on May 15 that the decision was made after "multiple requests by believers." Last year, the arts museum gave the icon to the church to use in a religious event. The move was criticized by the museum's curators, who said the icon was damaged in 61 places when it was returned. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Russian Service, click here.
Putin Orders Moscow Arts Museum To Hand Over Ancient Icon To Orthodox Church
The Trinity icon by medieval painter Andrei Rublyov was loaned to the church last year for an event, which the museum's curators said damaged the item in 61 places.