Retro Japan in Photos: Russian Orthodox church in Kyoto projects solemn beauty

The 22.3-meter-tall bell tower at the Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church is seen in Kyoto's Nakagyo Ward on Dec. 29, 2021. (Mainichi/Takao Kitamura)

The iconostasis screen with its 30 religious icons including one of the Last Supper (center, second from the top) is seen inside the Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church in Kyoto's Nakagyo Ward on Dec. 29, 2021. The iconostasis was made in Russia in the late imperial era. (Mainichi/Takao Kitamura)

The door to the enlightenment hall -- a space for the unbaptized to pray -- is seen in the Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church in Kyoto's Nakagyo Ward on Dec. 29, 2021. (Mainichi/Takao Kitamura)

The iconostasis screen with its 30 religious icons including one of the Last Supper (center, second from the top) is seen in the Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church in Kyoto's Nakagyo Ward on Dec. 29, 2021. Japan's Council for Cultural Affairs recommended in November 2021 that the building be designated an important cultural heritage. (Mainichi/Takao Kitamura)

The painting of the Last Supper is seen in the iconostasis screen in the Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church in Kyoto's Nakagyo Ward on Dec. 29, 2021. (Mainichi/Takao Kitamura)

A painting of Jesus Christ is seen at the top of the iconostasis screen in the Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church in Kyoto's Nakagyo Ward on Dec. 29, 2021. (Mainichi/Takao Kitamura)

A door through the iconostasis screen in the Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church is seen in Kyoto's Nakagyo Ward on Dec. 29, 2021. (Mainichi/Takao Kitamura)

A sacred icon of Nicholas of Japan (left) given to the church by Russian prisoners of war before heading home after the Russo-Japanese War in thanks for Nicholas's visits to their POW camps is seen in the Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church in Kyoto's Nakagyo Ward on Dec. 29, 2021. (Mainichi/Takao Kitamura)

A sacred icon of Nicholas of Japan given to the church by Russian prisoners of war before heading home after the Russo-Japanese War in thanks for Nicholas's visits to their POW camps is seen in the Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church in Kyoto's Nakagyo Ward on Dec. 29, 2021. (Mainichi/Takao Kitamura)

A late Russian Empire-era candle stand (left) for the remembrance of those in "eternal sleep" and used in services is seen in the Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church in Kyoto's Nakagyo Ward on Dec. 29, 2021. On the right is a work my Meiji-era icon painter Yamashita Rin depicting the angel Gabriel telling Mary she will have a virgin birth. (Mainichi/Takao Kitamura)

A late Russian Empire-era candle stand for the remembrance of those in "eternal sleep" is seen in the Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church in Kyoto's Nakagyo Ward on Dec. 29, 2021. (Mainichi/Takao Kitamura)

A banner made of metal is seen in the Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church in Kyoto's Nakagyo Ward on Dec. 29, 2021. These kinds of banners are used in "cross processions" -- parades of believers bearing the cross, candles and holy icons -- on Orthodox holidays. This one, however, is too large and heavy and stays in the church. A cloth banner is carried instead. (Mainichi/Takao Kitamura)

A bible and cross used during confession are seen in the Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church in Kyoto's Nakagyo Ward on Dec. 29, 2021. (Mainichi/Takao Kitamura)

A late Russian Empire-era chandelier is seen in the Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church in Kyoto's Nakagyo Ward on Dec. 29, 2021. (Mainichi/Takao Kitamura)

The Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church with its 22.3-meter-tall bell tower is seen in Kyoto's Nakagyo Ward on Dec. 29, 2021. (Mainichi/Takao Kitamura)

The onion dome atop the Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church's cupola is seen in Kyoto's Nakagyo Ward on Dec. 29, 2021. It features the eight-pointed cross seen on many churches in Russia. (Mainichi/Takao Kitamura)