« Bishop Matthew of Sourozh met with representatives of the Apsida architectural studio »
30-08-2026 
On August 28, 2026, Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, temporary Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the United States and Canada, met with architects Alexander Molodin and Deacon Andrei Malyshev, representing the Apsida architectural studio, which specialises in the design of Orthodox churches in the United States and Canada, at St. Nicholas Patriarchal Cathedral in New York City.
During the meeting, Alexander Molodin and Deacon Andrei Malyshev told the Archpastor about their completed and ongoing projects for Orthodox churches in the United States. The two discussed the main challenges parishes face in the construction, renovation, and repair of church buildings. At the conclusion of the presentation, Bishop Matthew was presented with an album of photographs of the studio's projects.
Particular attention was paid to the activities of the non-profit Apsida Foundation. Its mission is to assist Orthodox parishes in raising donations for the construction, restoration, and development of church infrastructure. To this end, the Foundation is creating a modern public financing system and also seeks to attract benefactors and representatives of the business community to support parish projects.
Bishop Matthew blessed the work of the Apsida architectural studio. Speaking about the new Foundation, the Archpastor expressed hope that this initiative will become an effective support for parishes, help them implement necessary projects, and facilitate the further development of church life. Vladyka also noted the importance of the Orthodox Church's support for this initiative.
Studio representatives also spoke about Apsida's educational projects. Among them is the annual publication of an Orthodox calendar listing church holidays, fasts, and commemorative dates. The calendars are distributed free of charge to Orthodox parishes. Last year, the print run was 2,000 copies, and this number is planned to increase this year.
In addition, a book, "A Practical Guide for Parishes on the Construction of Orthodox Churches in the USA," is being prepared for publication. This publication is intended to help clergy and parish councils better navigate the design, approval, and construction of church buildings in accordance with American norms and practices.
Following the meeting, Bishop Matthew proposed that Alexander Molodin and Deacon Andrei Malyshev conduct a series of lectures for the clergy of the Patriarchal Parishes and students of theological seminaries in the United States. The lectures will focus on practical issues of designing, constructing, and renovating Orthodox churches. The parties agreed to begin implementing this initiative in the coming months.