The National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia has granted a status of cultural heritage monument to the Armenian St. Stepanos (Surb Stepanos) Church in Akhalkalaki, Georgia, jnews.ge reports.

According to the source, the world heritage status was granted to the church upon the order of Nikoloz Antidze, director of National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia, on June 30, 2017.

St. Stepanos Church is located northeast of Korkhi village of Georgia’s Akhalkalaki district. The church dates back to the late 19th century.

The south-western corner of the church features an Armenian construction inscription with a pointed date, with two other inscriptions made around the baptismal cross.