I think it interesting that we put effort into architectural discussions. In another thread a while back, we criticized a GOA parish design. Then I think we are doing the same here to the OCA. Hence, below is a link to my local ROCOR parish's brand new (not yet consecrated, I believe) church.
http://www.christoursaviororthodoxchurch.com/
It is rather,er,...interesting as well.
Demetri
What can I say? From my personal perspective that hunting lodge with a dome is pretty nice. At least it is a public space, probably has a toilet and sink too. I bet the parish has even registered their nonprofit charter with the State of Pennsylvania. These folks are LIGHT YEARS ahead of my local ROCOR parish, which by the way has no plans whatsoever to expand or evangelize for any reason. I'll end it here.
Sincerely:
Joseph
I am not fond of the architecture, but there are HUNDREDS of Orthodox churches in America that use former protestant buidlings -- all of which have non-traditional Orthodox architecture. Should we move out of these buildings and worship in tents until we can raise enough money to build "proper" buildings? But then again, what about the improper architecture of the temporary tents??
The title of this thread is nauseating ("The future of OCA architecture") and does little to spread Orthodox unity in North America - it actually harms it. The blatant lack of humility and lack of warmth on so many of these boards is one reason I don't post-here much anymore.
A blessed remainder of Lent to all my brothers and sisters who read this. Lest I open up a huge calendar-issue "can of worms," happy Feast of the Annunciation!
gregory2 wrote:I am not fond of the architecture, but there are HUNDREDS of Orthodox churches in America that use former protestant buidlings -- all of which have non-traditional Orthodox architecture. Should we move out of these buildings and worship in tents until we can raise enough money to build "proper" buildings? But then again, what about the improper architecture of the temporary tents??
I think the point was that this is a newchurch. The people have the money to build their own church and are choosing to build it with this design. The whole issue is really not a hugedeal to me, I just have my opinions 
bogoliubtsy wrote:I think the point was that this is a newchurch. The people have the money to build their own church and are choosing to build it with this design. The whole issue is really not a hugedeal to me, I just have my opinions
Actually, my point was not to denigrate this parish. Indeed, these 90 Christians organized, acquired land, financed, and built this church in about two years. Quite an accomplishment.
And, there were building code restrictions that they had to deal with which gave them a choice of a more traditional looking church but with extremely small dome(s), or this layout.
My point was to point out that criticisms of un-orthodox designs does not make these parishes non-Orthodox.
Demetri
gregory2 wrote:The title of this thread is nauseating ("The future of OCA architecture") and does little to spread Orthodox unity in North America - it actually harms it. The blatant lack of humility and lack of warmth on so many of these boards is one reason I don't post-here much anymore.
Please, please, please forgive me for offending you 
Please believe me, my intent is not to cause offence. I chose the title more out of frustration than any thing else. It really saddens me to see a parish that might be capable of biulding a beautiful church and then come out with a biuld that looks just as much like a mausoleum as it does a church. The OCA are not the only ones. The GOA here Minneapolis biuld a large church one of the lakes; it is the shape of a cross and has a dome, but you wouldn't know it was a church unless you read the sign. Same thing with the GOA church in St. Paul, if it weren't for the cross you would think it was a mosque. Churches should look like churches, and orthodox churches look like orthodox churches. My personal critisisms of a parishes design for a new church is in no way a critisism of their orthodoxy.
Again, please accept my humble apologies for causing such offence.
