We hope this season of Pentecost finds you well! It has been nearly a year since our first announcement, and while we’ve been quiet on the website, we have been working diligently behind the scenes to move this blessed project forward.
WHAT WE’VE ACCOMPLISHED THIS YEAR:
The committee has reached several key milestones over the past twelve months:
· Learning from Others: We’ve connected with sister parishes and diocesan representatives to learn from their own church building experiences.
· Lay of the Land: We secured a surveyor and civil engineering firm to finalize updated site plans and permit requirements. The initial survey work was completed in May.
· A Visionary Visit: In October 2025, we hosted designer Andrew Gould of New World Byzantine, who shared his inspiring vision with our parish. Based in Charleston, SC, Andrew is a renowned expert in Orthodox church and monastery design. You can explore his incredible portfolio at Sacred - New World Byzantine
· We are thrilled to announce that we have officially entered into a contract with Andrew Gould to design our new church!!
LOOKING AHEAD – GOALS FOR 2026:
As our community grows, so does our need for a larger space. We are literally outgrowing our parking and worship areas right now! Our focus for the remainder of 2026 includes:
· Expanding our footprint: Starting the search for companies to add much-needed parking spaces.
· Finalizing the plan: continuing work with our civil engineering firm on permitting requirements and land use options, and engaging an "Architect of Record" to work with Andrew Gould.
· Bringing the vision to life: Receiving the first official designs and renderings from Andrew Gould.
· Building our future: Formally launching a Capital Campaign to begin fundraising for our new church.
BE PART OF THE FOUNDATION:
This project belongs to all of us. We invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or concerns as we move forward. Please keep our committee and Father Andrew in your prayers as we continue this work.
Your Building Committee:
· Chairperson: Stephen Sekela
· Aaron Black
· Jamie Davis
· Velimir Maksimovic
· Jennifer Ronca
Check back here for regular updates as the designs begin to take shape!