Businessman Gagik Tsarukyan wrote on Facebook that the installation works for the monumental statue of Jesus Christ on Mount Hatis have begun and will soon advance rapidly.
He said his family is covering all expenses, despite numerous offers of financial support from Armenians worldwide. “I had to reject such proposals, since my family has decided to fully fund the project,” Tsarukyan wrote, while thanking everyone for their goodwill.
According to him, although the idea originated with his family, the statue belongs to all Armenians, the diaspora, Armenia’s friends, and Christians in general. To meet the strong public desire to contribute, Tsarukyan instructed to create mechanisms allowing people to participate symbolically — by planting a tree, carrying soil, placing a stone, or joining construction on site.
“I will be at the site, working alongside the builders. Anyone wishing to take part may do the same,” he said, adding that the statue will become a symbol of national revival, unity, and Armenia’s presence in the world.
According to the project, the Christ statue will stand atop Mount Hatis. The complex will include three platforms with a café, visitor facilities, exhibition hall, and restrooms, connected by stairs and ramps. The structure will be built of reinforced concrete with travertine cladding. A 1,300-meter cableway to and from the statue is also planned.
