#Armenia – Construction crews made significant progress in May 2026 on what is poised to become the world’s largest statue of Jesus Christ, a towering monument rising on Mount Hatis near the Armenian capital.
The project, funded by prominent Armenian businessman and philanthropist Gagik Tsarukyan, features a 33-meter (108-foot) figure of Christ atop a 44-meter pedestal. When completed, the entire structure will reach approximately 77 meters (252 feet) in height — more than double the 38-meter stature of Brazil’s iconic Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Some projections place the total height, including the mountain setting, at up to 101 meters.
Tsarukyan first announced plans for the statue in January 2022, describing it as a “guardian” for Armenia and a symbol of national pride for the world’s first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion in 301 AD. The site on Mount Hatis, a 2,500-meter peak about 30 kilometers northeast of Yerevan, offers panoramic views of Mount Ararat, Mount Aragats, and Lake Sevan. Planners envisioned accompanying infrastructure, including a cable car and tourist facilities, to boost pilgrimage and visitors.
Work on the pedestal and statue components began in subsequent years but faced delays due to logistical challenges, regulatory issues, and opposition. Installation resumed in late 2025, with visible progress on the mountaintop base reported by early 2026. By mid-May 2026, images and videos circulating online showed substantial sections of the statue assembled, prompting RT and other outlets to highlight the near-completion phase.
The statue, sculpted by Armen Manvelian and constructed primarily from lightweight materials such as aluminum with protective coatings, has drawn both enthusiasm and controversy. Supporters, including some public figures and Tsarukyan’s allies, hailed it as a bold affirmation of faith and a potential economic driver for tourism. Tsarukyan’s family emphasized its role in elevating Armenia’s global cultural profile.
Critics, however, raised concerns. The Armenian Apostolic Church expressed reservations, citing traditional preferences for icons and khachkars (cross-stones) over large three-dimensional sculptures, which some viewed as bordering on idolatry. Environmentalists and archaeologists worried about impacts on Mount Hatis, which contains ancient historical sites. Others questioned the project’s cost amid Armenia’s security challenges following conflicts with Azerbaijan.
Despite the debates, project representatives indicated a tentative completion target of 2027. Tsarukyan has reportedly addressed government concerns and continued pushing forward, with recent site visits involving dignitaries and public updates on social media.
Once finished, the monument is expected to stand as a striking landmark visible across the region, further cementing Armenia’s Christian heritage on the world stage.
Image: The top of portion of the statue in question. The final statue will have Jesus Christ on a pedestal and be larger than Christ the Redeemer in Brazil.
