Source: The Siberian Times
Vladivostok ‘to get tallest statue of Jesus Christ in the world’
By Antonina Koshcheeva
Towering 80 metre monument to ‘Christ the Teacher’ by Zurab Tsereteli to find home in Russia’s Pacific capital.
The statue was cast in 2013 by Tsereteli, the famous Georgian-Russian sculptor, known for his gigantic projects such as a statue of Peter the Great in Moscow and ‘The Tear of Grief’ in the United States, dedicated to the struggle against world terrorism.
The monument stands 50 metres taller than the world famous ‘Christ the Redeemer’ in Rio de Janeiro, and two metres higher than ‘The Christ the King’ in Lisbon.
In Vladivostok, the monument will be composed of two parts: the statue itself and the pedestal housing a cathedral in honour of Archangel Michael.
The project was inspired by a local businessman Aleksey Shchepin, who donated two hectares of land overlooking the sea on the Churkin Peninsula for it to be built.
Now some $15.3 million is being raised to see the statue put in place.
Organisers say the monument, which has the backing of the Orthodox Church, will boost tourism and encourage residents of Vladivostok to believe in God.
It is also seen as a symbol of the revival of the Russian Far East.
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