Installation Works for the Statue of Jesus Christ Have Begun

Gagik Tsarukyan, the leader of the Prosperous Armenia party, wrote on his social media page:

“Dear compatriots, Armenians across the globe, true friends of my country and people,

I want to share some good news. The installation works for the statue of Jesus Christ have begun and will soon progress with great momentum. I am confident that this statue will open a new chapter in our country, filled with new hopes and successes.

In recent months, I have received requests from prominent Armenians and ordinary citizens from various corners of the world to participate in the construction efforts, even offering financial contributions. People want to be part of a truly historic process, a historic event.

Regarding the statue's construction, I have taken full responsibility and have had to decline financial participation offers, as my family has decided to cover all project expenses. I sincerely thank everyone for their offers; I trust in all your good intentions and honest motivations.

On the other hand, yes, while the idea of constructing the statue of Christ is mine and my family's, the statue belongs to the entire Armenian people, to my country’s true friends around the world, to all Christians, and it is simultaneously a national structure.

Considering the enormous desire of people to participate in this historic process, I have decided and instructed to develop mechanisms so that every Armenian, from any part of the world, and anyone who wishes well for my country, will have the opportunity to participate in the construction efforts. They can plant a tree, bring a bucket of soil, lay a stone, or perform any act with a prayer on their lips and a dream in their minds. Appropriate opportunities will be created, and people will know how to realize their wishes.

Even a hundred years from now, our grandchildren and great-grandchildren will say that their grandparents participated in the construction of this statue, laying stones, and took part in it. We will take pride in that from generation to generation.

I will be on the construction site, working alongside the workers, happily performing every task that will be needed on site. Everyone who wishes can do the same.

With all our efforts, the statue of Christ will rise high. It will become a symbol of national rebirth, internal harmony, and representation to the world.”