Chilingaryan Design Construction company, which deals with construction of St. Anna spiritual complex on the territory adjacent to St. Mary church in the center of Yerevan, reacted to social criticism, containing concerns with respect to the church view.

“The construction of the spiritual complex is agreed with the State Department of Urban Development and Agency for Monuments Protection. All peculiarities typical for construction works in such territories have been considered. Besides, excavations were carried in the territory,” Garik Chilingaryan, Director General of Chilingaryan Design Construction company said.

Construction works started on April 1. A fragment of the 17th century khachkar, attached to the wall inside the church, was found, as well as a part of a wall of a basilica blown up during 1936’s Stalin-era repressions. Besides, three jars dating back to the 16-17th centuries were discovered there.

Experts did not rule out the possibility of the discovery of more artifacts dating back to 17th century left in the ruins after the devastating earthquake in 1679.

However as was reported earlier, construction works will continue, as no artifact of real value was found.