The Patriarchate of the Georgian Orthodox Church (GOC) has expressed deep concern regarding the excavations near the Church of the Holy Cross of Georgian origin located in Azerbaijan. In Tbilisi, it was noted that the archaeological works are taking place in a one-sided manner, and official Georgian authorities are not involved in the situation. The GOC considers the church a significant monument of Georgian historical and spiritual heritage. In Patriarchate statements, it was emphasized that no information about the works conducted by Azerbaijani authorities was received. They also announced official Georgian structures are urgently requesting to be involved in the process of Georgian experts and clergy. "Every monument, both in the homeland and in the neighboring territory, evokes many questions — the beginning of".