Imagine for a moment, a world where the sacred figures of Jesus, His mother Mary, and their community are revealed to be black. It might stir a sense of disbelief, as the image etched in our minds is that of a white Jesus, with flowing blonde locks and piercing blue eyes. This vision extends to His mother and His people, all cloaked in the same fair hue. For centuries, this narrative has been reinforced by age-old artworks that depict Jesus as a white man.

Yet, what if I told you that these paintings have been altered? That the true colors have been masked, and the figures have been transformed to resemble modern Europeans? This act of historical deception has painted over the truth for ages. But now, Russia has unlocked the doors to its ancient vaults and cellars, revealing untouched paintings from centuries past. These artworks hold the potential to rewrite history and transform our understanding of Jesus, His mother, and their people. What secrets do they hold, and how might they reshape our perception of these revered figures?