An icon of Jesus embedded in a Kremlin gate used by Soviet leaders but bricked over in the 1930s during communist times was restored to public view 15 years ago. This was a major symbolic event that continues to be relevant to this day.

On a rainy and windy day of the Assumption in the Orthodox calendar, in August of 2010, then Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill unveiled the icon that has been covered for more than 70 years and had been regarded as lost.

The icon could have been immured in 1934, the exact date is unknown. It is theorized that it was to coincide with when Soviet authorities celebrated the 20th anniversary of the coup of the Bolsheviks, who waged war against organized religion, destroying temples and icons across the country.

The icon, which had adorned the Moscow site since the 16th century, was rediscovered in the spring when the Spasskaya Tower gates, the main entrance to the Kremlin overlooking Red Square, were being renovated.

Medvedev’s View

Medvedev, speaking from under an umbrella on the day that marks the Virgin Mary’s being taken into heaven, said the “Saviour Smolensky” icon, which is 2.2 by 1.5 meters wide and depicts Jesus holding open the New Testament, with Russian saints below him, will provide moral support to Russia.

“Now that we’ve got the icon back, our country secures an additional defense,” he said after Kirill, struggling to keep his cap on his head in a strong wind, anointed the icon.

President Dimitry Medvedev, also commended that the restoration of the icon as an encouragement toward national unity. The President said that, “We should remember those who made this possible during the period of godlessness, risking not only their jobs, but also their lives to save this wonder for future generations–for those who are here today on Red Square, those who will come to the Kremlin, and be inspired by the icon that protects the Kremlin, Moscow, and all of us.” He further stated that, “Today’s event contains great significance; including the unity of the Church with the people.”

Patriarch Kirill, The Church, and Modern Russia

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill defied driving driving rains and blessed the icon of Jesus Christ, recently restored over the main gate of the Moscow Kremlin. This blessing was a powerful visual representation of the The Church’s return to prominence in Russian affairs. The official presence at the event by both Chuch and State is another positive sign of the growing influence of the Russian Orthodox Church turning the nation in the right direction.

The Orthodox Church has undergone a massive revival since the fall of the Soviet Union almost 20 years ago ended decades of repression under communism, and Russia’s leaders, including current communists, have endorsed it as the country’s main faith.

“There is a special meaning in today’s event, particularly, it’s in the unity of the Church and people,” Medvedev said.