I actually rather don't mind the design... it's nifty...
Also, food for thought... every country that Orthodoxy has spread to adopted it as their own, & actually used their own architectural stylings when they built their churches. Back in 19th century Russia, they didn't say, "This modern architecture is just horrible, we should be digging catacombs like the early Christians did." If you look at pictures of churches all over the world, they all have the flavor of the country around them... Russians were just trying to preserve their culture. Since the OCA is no longer Russian, but American, I have no problem them adopting American architecture. (even though I think onion domes are prettier 
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The future of OCA architecture!
ania wrote:Since the OCA is no longer Russian, but American, I have no problem them adopting American architecture.
Dear Ania:
Can anyone really define a singular style called American architecture? Frank Loyd Wright designed a temple for the GOA in Wauwatosa, Wis. which looks like some kind of cobalt blue and whitewashed space station,-- but at least the building has some ambience. As far as a culturally specific American architecture, I think I would like to see a new reformed Gothic style, but significantly upgraded for Orthodox worship. Eastern Rite Orthodoxy and Western Rite anxiety, together resolved. Instead of rounded or (Russian style) ogee arches, we should see more of the groined variety, and maybe even some ribbed vaults! And so many Orthodox temples already make use of stained glass that a rose window would neither astound anyone. But I digress...
American architecture, if it is truly American, takes little of the past into account. Ayn Rand's "The Fountainhead" was made into a movie some fifty years ago and stars Gary Cooper. If one can overlook the account of human history given, yes even in the film, it is a terrific Ode to American architecture. I read the book when I was fourteen, but Theodora and I rented the film only recently. The book was wierder. But wierd is the name of the game when it comes to anything at all denominated as "American", including architecture I fear. The future may well be parabolic arches, if any; lots of (UV blocking) skylights; and plexiglass pews, so that those who like them may use them, but those who do not will not have to see them. 
Sincerely:
Joseph
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Gregory2
Daniel,
You're certainly forgiven. You really didn't offend ME, anyway. If one of us has a bone of contention with this architecture, why not fire off a letter or an e-mail to the parish priest or to the parish itself in Maryland? Why (instead) make fun of it (and regardless of the intention, that's what this thread seems to be trying to do....) anonymously on-line? If you (or any of us) contacted the priest or the parish itself, not only would they understand fellow Orthodox Christians's frustration with this architecture, but one might even learn WHY they chose that architecture.
If it's a matter of personal taste, I'm sure most of us here would not choose this architecture if we had the funds to build a church. But I grew up Orthodox, and I have more "traditional" tastes -- I think the byzantine style and the traditional Russian style churches are beautiful, so that's what I would want. Personally, I think that this church looks bizarre. But from what I can gather, most of the parish is American converts, and I have no idea what it is like as a convert to be "forced" to become Russian or Greek, whatever that means. Jesus didn't force anyone -- people come to Him of their own free will! If these Orthodox Christians chose this model and their bishop approves of it, then so be it. But contacting them personally for more information would be MUCH more fruitful than an anonymous, mocking-style thread.
I think Daniel may have been onto something. Aside from the "your attitude hurts my feelings" crybaby arguments above, one must consider what may be the Orthodox legacy in America and how future generations will interpret asthetics. Many, many more will be converts from Protestant, and increasingly Catholic, backgrounds. Add to this a tacit desire for something more purely American, and there you have it. The future of all Orthodox architecture in America is up for grabs right now and neither early Byzantine monastic, nor Russian imperial seem to claim too much popularity with the parish council when it comes down to logistics and yes, even taste. We can influence the future now, but we must do so collectively by cultivating what will bethe future of parish church architecture, and Orthodox asthetics generally. I love this topic.
Joseph
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Justin Kissel
I'm familiar with the soon to be built church that is based on the model.
The reason for it's weird shape?
It is being built on the property of what is called a "planned community" in the American Northeast.
The founder of this community had a utopian vision people of all faiths and creeds living together in peace and harmony, so he stipulated that all houses of worship must be built according to set specs.
One spec is that the houses of worship can never be "stand alone." In other words, houses of worship must share a site.
In the case of the pictured church-to-be it is literally joined on the other side (not shown of course) with an evangelical Protestant "church."
The two churches are on the same site and are also bound underground together by a joint "fellowship hall."
Someone complained about the "Latin Cross" that was attached to the model. The cross is just a decoration on the model. One of the other specs for this planned commmunity: NO CROSSES or any other religious insignia allowed on the outside of the building. The cross was just pasted on the outside of the model for the benefit of the visiting Metropolitan.
There will be no cross outside or on top of the church because of community rules.