Armenian Millionaire Funds World’s Tallest Jesus Christ Statue to Rival Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer
A 77-meter-tall statue of Jesus Christ is under construction near Yerevan, Armenia — set to become the tallest Christian figure in the world upon completion.
The ambitious monument is the vision of Gagik Tsarukyan, a prominent Armenian businessman, former Member of Parliament, and ex-world arm-wrestling champion.
Tsarukyan launched the project in 2022 in the village of Zovuni, describing the statue as a “guardian of our country and people” that will stand atop Mount Hatis.
Designed by sculptor Armen Manvelyan, the statue itself will rise 33 meters high on a 44-meter pedestal, surpassing:
Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro (38 meters total)
Christ the King in Świebodzin, Poland (currently the tallest at 36 meters statue + 16 meters pedestal = 52 meters total)
The structure is already drawing both admiration and controversy in Armenia. Tsarukyan’s past legal troubles — including charges of bribery, corruption, and allegedly buying at least 17,000 votes — have fueled debate about his motives and the use of private wealth for such a large-scale religious project.
Supporters view it as a powerful symbol of faith and national pride, while critics question the priorities amid economic and social challenges.
Construction continues, with the monument expected to become a major landmark visible across the region once completed.
