The continuous flow of our citizens to Mount Hatis, along with the thousands of applications from our compatriots around the world wishing to climb Hatis and volunteer for the construction of the Statue of Christ, gave me a reason to reflect. I had long wanted to underline the significance of this construction and this initiative. Allow me to share my thoughts and feelings about this project, hoping that it will become even more important and dear to you.
The Statue of Christ is not merely a stone monument; it is a declaration of a new national future, open to all who are ready to think about the country rather than disagreements.
This is a new center of national consolidation.
It is becoming a new national symbol, born at a moment of the gravest trials for the Armenian people. It is meant to become a point of spiritual and civic unity for all Armenians, strengthening faith, restoring dignity, and defining the path of Armenia.
1. The Geographical Heart of the Armenian Identity
The construction site is not accidental. Hatis is the geographical center of the three greatest symbols of the Armenian civilization—Ararat, Aragats and Sevan.
It is here that the images of our memory, strength and eternity intersect.
The installation of the monument at this point transforms the complex into a natural center of Armenian life, where the past and future of the people are united in one space.
2. A Space of Unity and Accord
In a divided society and deep contradictions, the complex is destined to become a place that belongs to all Armenians, regardless of political parties, affiliations or conflicts.
It is a symbol of a new national logic: from internal division to unity, from mutual distrust to agreement, from weakness to state responsibility.
It is a space where the logic of internal confrontation ends and the logic of national agreement begins.
The complex is a bridge between Armenia and the millions of Armenians living beyond its borders, between differences and shared well-being, between memory and the future.
3. In response to the Crisis of Dignity
After the tragedy of Artsakh, Armenia needs a symbol that restores a sense of resilience, trust, and dignity.
Hatis is our collective response to the world: Armenians are capable of being reborn, creating, and building the country even after severe trials.
Hatis declares that Armenians can create even in moments of defeat; we are able to rise and build a new reality with faith and dignity.
Christianity has always been at the root of Armenian identity.
The Statue becomes a sign of reinforcing the values that have made us strong—responsibility, compassion, mutual assistance, respect for human life and freedom.
4. A Message to the World: The Image of a Reborn Armenia
The Statue of Christ becomes an international symbol of Armenia as:
– a State capable of creating and building;
– a guardian of spiritual culture and a bearer of a peacemaking mission;
– a nation that, even under threats and pressure, brings light and humanism to the world.
This is the new calling card of the Country—Armenia, standing next to the Cross and speaking the language of creation rather than that of defeat.
The new Statue of Christ is a symbol of recognition for Armenians and pride for present and future generations of Armenians for their people and Christian mission.
It is a symbol of Armenia’s peacemaking, humanistic, and cultural contributions in the 21st century.
My family and I are investing our resources, and I am fully involved in the construction. I spend most of my day with the builders and the workers, and I am proud of that. With great joy, I witnessed a new reality: I am building this Statue, but it does not belong to me; it already belongs to the Armenian nation, it is already a National Statue.