Armenian Volunteers Climb Mount Hatis to Support Construction of the World’s Largest Jesus Statue

A new group of volunteers has climbed Mount Hatis to symbolically support the ongoing construction of what is planned to be the world’s largest statue of Jesus Christ. According to local organizers, the volunteers carried musical instruments with them to inspire the workers. They also danced Armenian traditional dances at the top of the mountain as Armenian music played.

The project, led by businessman Gagik Tsarukyan, is described as more than just a construction effort. For Tsarukyan, it is a personal mission to make Armenia more recognizable to the world as the first nation to adopt Christianity.

The organizers announced on September 16 that a public information office has been opened to encourage people to get involved. A call for volunteers was issued, allowing registered participants to climb Mount Hatis, observe the construction process and join the installation work beginning September 26. According to Tsarukyan’s team, many people have already contacted them through letters and phone calls, asking how they can contribute.

Tsarukyan said that the chosen location on Mount Hatis has deep meaning for him and his family. He explained that he and his son personally selected the site because of its beauty and the feeling it gives to visitors.

“From there you can see all of Yerevan. There is soul, there is breath, when you climb up there. If you go up once, it’s impossible not to want to go every week to see that beauty,” Tsarukyan said.

While the project has been met with criticism by some members of the public, Tsarukyan said he is not upset by the negative reactions. He believes the significance of the statue will become clear with time.

“Although there has been criticism of the project, I do not take offense at those who criticize. I am confident that time will show how good this initiative is,” he said.

The date for the official unveiling of the statue has not yet been announced, but construction work on the mountaintop is moving forward.

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