On September 19, Alexander Molodin and Andrei Malyshev met with His Eminence Archbishop and Metropolitan Longin, Archbishop of New Gracanica–Chicago and Metropolitan of Midwestern America. During the meeting, they presented several projects currently being developed and implemented by Apsida Studio and spoke about the studio’s work with Orthodox parishes and monasteries in the United States. A specially prepared portfolio album featuring selected projects was presented to Metropolitan Longin as a gift.
His Eminence expressed his appreciation for this work as a form of service to God and the Church. He noted that it was encouraging to see, in a clear visual form, how Orthodox communities in the United States continue to grow and how new churches, chapels, and parish facilities are being planned and built.
Metropolitan Longin also noted that he had already had an opportunity to study the design of the future church at Holy Archangel Michael and All Angels Skete in Weatherby, Missouri, prepared by Apsida Studio. During the meeting, he expressed his admiration for the project, emphasizing its architectural quality and its sensitive understanding of Orthodox liturgical tradition, canons, and customs. He remarked that this kind of informed approach to church architecture is increasingly rare and is often lacking in contemporary American practice.
His Eminence also mentioned that parishioners within his diocese had approached him about the possibility of building a chapel or a small cemetery church. He invited Apsida Studio to send information about its work through his secretary so that the materials could be forwarded to parishes and individuals who may be interested in developing such projects.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Metropolitan Longin thanked Alexander Molodin and Andrei Malyshev for their work and gave his blessing for the continuation of their architectural service to Orthodox communities.