“Quartet”: the State Duma explained the meaning of the portrait of Kirill with the “Trinity”

The State Duma commented on the discussion on social networks of one of the portraits of Patriarch Kirill, which drew attention after the meeting of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church. The picture was painted by Igor Babailov about 10 years ago, but the general public became familiar with the work only now, when the photo service of the Moscow Patriarchate published a report from the Danilov Monastery. In one of the photographs, behind the head of the Synodal Department, Vladimir Legoyda, a remarkable piece of furniture was seen – a portrait of the patriarch, depicted together with Andrei Rublev’s “Trinity”.

The picture caused mixed reactions. Critics noted that the figure of Cyril covered the cup with the symbol of Christ’s sacrifice and became the center of the composition. Some felt that it was not the artist, but the head of the Russian Orthodox Church himself who could have decided to depict himself so majestically, and they suspected Cyril of pride, calling the painting “Quarter”.

However, the representative of the Russian Orthodox Church for public relations, Vakhtang Kipshidze, called criticism of the film a “mental fad” and a “sick fantasy.” The State Duma also spoke out in defense of the painting and the patriarch.

Deputy Vitaly Milonov stated “I rise” that the accusations of “canonization” are unfounded, because “the Holy Patriarch never had such a thing that he ranked himself somewhere.” In his opinion, the painting refers to the “Russian artistic tradition” and that it depicts “the patriarch, strengthened by the Trinity in his work.”

The parliamentarian also said that people are simply tuned to negativity and look for it themselves, “they live in a negative environment, they think negatively, hence their bad mood.”

Read also: “Patriarch Kirill commented on the transfer of “Trinity” to the Russian Orthodox Church”