MOSCOW, December 18. /TASS/. The fire that broke out at the bell tower of the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius near Moscow did not threaten the Trinity icon by Andrey Rublev, a representative of emergency management services told TASS.

"There was no threat to the icon, as it is kept in the Trinity Cathedral, which is located at a distance from the bell tower that went on fire," the person said.

Painted in the early 15th century, the icon is considered to be the most famous Russian Orthodox icon. It was transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church in 2023, and moved to the lavra - another word for a monastery - in 2024.

It was reported earlier on Wednesday that the roof of the bell tower caught fire. The flames, which are suspected to have been set off by a short circuit, have since been put out. No casualties were reported.

Built in the 18th century, the bell tower holds Russia’s largest active church bell.