In Washington's National Cathedral more than two hundred musicians from Russia and the U.S. held a joint performance of a Christmas Oratario to mark the reunification of the Russian church after 70 years of schism.

The Reunification of the Russian mother church with its U.S. branch coincides with the 200th anniversary of established relations between Russia and the U.S.

An exhibition to illustrate the painful period of separation has drawn attention and touched the hearts of people in the U.S., according to the Russian Culture Minister.

The key piece on display was the Virgin Mary Icon – complete with bullet holes – from the Bolshevik Revolution.

The concert was attended by dignitaries including Russia's Culture Minister, Aleksandr Sokolov.

“The reunification has made it possible to enter Russian churches abroad and feel at home there, but moreover it is a spiritual unity,” said Sokolov.