The Javakhk Diaspora of Russia released a statement on the situation over the Armenian church Surb Nshan in Tbilisi.

“The belfry of the church collapsed due to tremors hitting the region and heavy rains in Tbilisi recently. The church as if accidentally was in fire back in 2002 and this January as well.

Renovation works started two months ago, however, no use. We call on the Armenian community and Armenian NGOs in Georgia not to be afraid and use any possibility, including protests or other civilized measures, to support the Georgian Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church and preserve our sacred, cultural-historical monuments.

We call on the President, the Government and the Orthodox church of Georgia to respect spiritual-religious right of non-Georgian population,” the statement reads.