I haven't watched the movie, either.
I found the symbolism really interesting to analyze:
The book/bible didn't seem to have enough of an effect as a deterrent. And so it burned. But then the priest took the cross with Jesus on it. (So, the formalistic old testament versus the saviour from the new testament?)
And apparently there was some sort of supernatural struggle there, because the female statue -- Virgin Mary -- sheds a tear (of blood). I really want to know what that means. My guess is that the priest sinned somehow in the movie to bring about this plight to himself, and Jesus takes on another sin on behalf of a human being who is being faithful?
Note: I'm not religious, but it's a Russian movie with Christian symbolism.