Iconostasis Design Update

Our former priest had envisioned an open-style iconostasis, and the original design felt somewhat plain. To explore new possibilities, we experimented with flexible polymer strips to shape gentle curves, aiming to echo the arch above the iconostasis.

With Stash’s skilled craftsmanship, we were able to develop a more dynamic and open design that stays true to the vision. While the iconostasis is still a bit wobbly, we plan to reinforce it with a rigid metal bar across the top for added stability.

We also began attaching some of the plywood panels to get a better sense of the overall look. These panels are temporarily fastened with screws, as the exterior-facing walls behind them will still need to be spray-foamed.

This stage marks an exciting step forward as we bring together function and beauty in our church’s sacred space.

Narthex and Nave Progress

We were recently able to purchase drywall and have begun bending it to fit the curved barrel ceiling in the narthex. The bending process takes a couple of months. A vapor barrier has been installed throughout the remaining narthex area, making it ready for sheetrock installation. Once the sheets are shaped to fit properly, we’ll move forward with mounting them.

In addition, we’ve acquired flexible drywall sheets specifically for the tight arches around the windows. The choir sections have also been covered with drywall panels, moving us another step closer to completion.

At this point, we’re awaiting warmer weather and additional funding to spray-foam the remaining exterior walls.

Mudding and Surface Preparation

Volunteer Spotlight Most of the soffit work has been completed, and the drywall has been successfully installed. We would especially like to thank Venadim J. Martushev for his steady and generous contributions to the project. He has been consistently volunteering his time, applying mud, taping the walls, and carefully finishing the corners on the soffits—tasks that require both skill and dedication.

Every effort, no matter how big or small, moves us closer to completing our church. Thank you, Venadim, for your continued commitment and hard work!

New Gas Furnace Installation

The last couple of months have been especially challenging due to the lack of heat downstairs. Our old oil-based HVAC system was nearing the end of its life and finally gave out, which significantly slowed down the mudding process and other ongoing work.

Thankfully, with God’s help and the generosity of our parishioners, we were able to secure the necessary funds. The Dorval family contributed the majority, with additional support from the Kalugin family. Stash Kalugin was instrumental in getting the new system up and running.

Now, with the heat restored, working conditions downstairs have greatly improved, and the drywall mud is drying much more efficiently. We are truly grateful to all who made this possible.

Morozova Painting

This beautiful poster was generously donated by the Hanin family from Melbourne, Australia. We received it back in September, but due to ongoing water issues, we weren't able to begin working on it until this Great Lent.

Materials were gathered beginning in February, with a strong desire to see the project completed during Great Lent of 2025. The goal was to create a frame that was as light and slim as possible; however, due to the necessary components—especially the plexiglass—it still ended up quite heavy. Everything was carefully painted to prevent warping over time, and special attention was given to achieving a clean, well-finished look for the frame.

The finished piece is now installed in the church hall, using a French cleat mounting system. We are truly grateful for this gift and for the opportunity to honor it in our public space.

Scaling Cupola

The process of scaling the cupola has been steady and careful. Whenever the weather permits, I make as much progress as possible. The current row features the largest scales, each nearly 24 inches wide, requiring delicate handling—especially with the 0.4 mm thick metal, which is prone to "oil canning" (visible warping or rippling) kinda like a soda can.

Special thanks to our former engineer, Matushka, whose deep understanding of the truss load limits has been invaluable. We spent a great deal of time researching ultra-thin metal and the challenges that come with it—particularly the risk of oil canning, which is most noticeable in the blue scales due to their thinness.

Each row brings new challenges. Because the cupola framework is made of wood, the scales sizes and shapes must constantly be adjusted and realigned. Some areas are more difficult than others, but each step teaches us something new as we work toward completing this important and visible feature of the church.

With each phase, we continue to make steady progress—thank you to everyone supporting this effort!

Dome Design and Planning

There were several initial attempts by parishioners to create the proper curves for the dome, but achieving the right shape proved challenging. Stash shared his uncertainty about how to approach it, so we did some research and discovered a few companies that offer practical solutions for forming curves.

armstrongceilings.com look for Curved Drywall Grid Capabilities video.

radiustrack.com

flexabilityconcepts.com

After exploring various options, Armstrong ceilings currently appear to be the most practical choice for our needs. One important consideration is that we will need to custom-create our own curved tracks to match the architectural features of the space.

While this approach will require extra effort and labor on our part, it allows us to maintain control over the design and ensure it complements the overall aesthetic of the church.

With this new information in hand, I worked with Stash to get a better sense of the scope. He provided some sample curves, and together we took a number of measurements. By comparing them to the original blueprints, we were able to create a basic model of the space.

Stash also suggested that the dome should include corner insets for iconography of the Four Evangelists. When I brought this idea to our bishop’s attention, he advised that it would need careful consideration. Understandably, he’s currently occupied with many responsibilities, including managing various community concerns.

As with many aspects of the project, this part is still evolving. We continue to take each step with prayer, patience, and attention to detail.