The Russian Orthodox Church has expressed unhappiness over the omission of a temple on the 1,000-ruble banknote that features the Kazan Kremlin’s temple building. The building currently serves as a museum, and no cross appears atop it, a detail highlighted by a source within the Moscow Patriarchate cited by RIA Novosti.
Concerns were sparked by the State Historical Museum of the Tatar People and the Republic of Tatarstan in Kazan, housed in the former palace church. The church notes disappointment that the design relies on a view of today’s structure, while acknowledging that the artists were not easily blameworthy for the choice.
According to a church source, the issue centers on why this specific image was selected, especially since it does not convey Kazan’s interfaith character. The city is home to numerous mosques and Orthodox churches, and it is considered odd that an Orthodox church with a cross is not represented on a painting dedicated to Kazan.
The church hopes that buildings originally used for religious purposes will be restored to their intended status and role.
Earlier, the Bank of Russia issued a brief statement regarding information about the release of the ten thousandth banknote.
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