This is a copy of the ancient icon “Angel with Golden Hair”. Dating from before the Mongol invasion, this is one of the oldest surviving Russian icons. The work appears to have found its way to Moscow in the sixteenth century, when it was hung in one of the Kremlin churches. It was possibly brought to the capital from Novgorod during the reign of Ivan the Terrible (1547–84). The eyes of the angel are soft and seem to be looking past the viewer. There is a certain sadness and compassion in the eyes, possibly indicating the knowledge of the ills of this world and a desire to ease the pain of the believers. This kind of detached look reminds us that eternal life is promised to those who suffer for Christ or remain faithful through many trials.