Part of historic Armenian Church collapses in Feodosia, criminal case opened

A section of the Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Feodosia has collapsed, marking the second structural failure at the historic site this year, Crimea News Agency reports.

According to the source, part of the building’s corner gave way recently. Earlier, in January, the church’s bell tower also collapsed. Following the latest incident, Russia’s Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case to determine the circumstances surrounding the damage.

In February, Feodosia’s head of administration, Vladimir Kim, stated that urgent measures to preserve the church had been discussed. Plans included dispatching specialists to assess the site and prepare a technical report on the building’s condition.

The church, built in 1408, is an Armenian church and is recognized as a cultural heritage monument. Its last recorded restoration took place in 1968.