A Russian artist has come under fire for the public burning of an effigy of a Gothic – and so appearing to be a Catholic – church. The destructive artistry was exhibited at an Orthodox Christian folk festival.

The 'Flaming Gothic' was a 30m high western cathedral-shaped effigy, constructed of twigs, designed by prominent Russian artist Nikolai Polissky, according to BBC News. The structure was ignited for an impressive and controversial display on Saturday.

The public burning of an effigy at the Nikola-Lenivets 'art park' is an annual tradition in the six-day festival of Maslenitsa, also known as 'Butter Week' – a folk event with both Christian and pagan roots, that marks the last week before Orthodox Lent.

The Gothic structure was seen by many as representing the Catholic Church, whose adherents represent just 0.5 per cent of the Russian populace. Russian culture has been historically dominated by the Orthodox Christian tradition.

The Russian Orthodox Church itself criticised the incendiary display. Vakhtang Kipshidze, spokesman for Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, told Ria Novosti news agency that Christian symbols, 'whether they belong to the Western or Eastern branch, should be accorded respect and sanctity'.

Polissky defended his work, saying it was 'simply a bonfire built in the manner of a Gothic building'. He told The Village that the structure was meant to appear both mysterious and miraculous as one 'not made by human hands', but also said it was 'just art' intended to provide a 'hypnotising spectacle'.

After further criticism he posted on Facebook on Sunday: 'There was nothing of religious worship in my art object, of course there were no crosses, altar or any religious symbols,' the artist wrote according to Oddity Central. 'This is not a copy of any existing structure of religious worship nor an imitation of a church.'

He said he hoped for 'dialogue' between Catholic and Orthodox leaders, and sought forgiveness for any offense caused.

'Today is Forgiveness Sunday and I ask all Orthodox and non-Orthodox Christians to forgive me for Christ's sake,' he said.