Italian-Russian luxury brand Caviar has released a new iPhone 6 model for pious Christians that could help the faithful stay clear of swear words, the company said.
The Trinita is the second product in the brand's Credo line and features an engraved likeness of "Trinity," a 15th-century icon attributed to Russian Orthodox monk Andrei Rublyev, Caviar said on its website.
The company added that its designers had consulted the Guild of Experts on Religion and Law to ensure that the image was not insulting to the feelings of believers — an offense punishable by law in Russia.
Unnamed "experts" were also cited in the press release as saying that the Trinity image could "in a mystical way protect the owners of the phone," which media quickly dubbed the "iConophone."
The religious phone owner could also "read their prayers before this image, and remain aware of the necessity of leading a Christian life" the experts were cited as saying by Caviar, adding the phone could encourage its owner "not to swear, have evil intentions, or say unkind things."
Caviar has previously launched an Islam-themed phone, featuring a mosque, and will also launch phones inspired by Judaism and Buddhism in the future, the company said.
The Trinita model can be purchased online for 157,000 rubles ($3,100.)
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
