The rich tradition of Christian Orthodoxy has many facets--there is the way of life it teaches, the path of personal prayer and the way of divine worship which is the hallmark of our Church. There is the fascinating history of how Orthodoxy has been carried to all corners of the world, starting with twelve humble apostles, becoming the official faith of great empires, or coming under fire in persecutions, or appearing in America as one of many Christian churches here. There is its doctrine, its lofty ethical teachings, revelation of the purpose of our lives, how to raise our children, how to lead a godly life in the modern world.

New Church Property in Pflugerville
Click here to see photos of the new building, renovations, previous construction, etc. The opening of the new building which was announced for Sat., Aug. 28, has been deferred; please keep in touch with us for any news.

Our Christian Orthodox church serves Americans, Russians, and all people in the Austin area. We are a mission parish of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Services: 
•  Sundays 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy, preceded by Third and Sixth Hours.
•  Sat. 5:00 p.m. Vigil (confessions start about 7:10 p.m.).
Services mostly in English, with some Russian. A detailed calendar is here.

Location:  Till grand opening, we still meet at 5401-B Clay Avenue, off Burnet Road (north Austin). It's hard to spot; if you are coming, read detailed directions here.  

All are welcome.  All services are open to the public, and everyone is invited to join us.  Se habla español.

Pictures above.  The pictures above show the beauty of the Orthodox Tradition.

Click below, to see Pascha 2010 photos!



Picture below: Jan. 2010, Nativity



Picture below: June 2009

Click on the picture to see more photos of us and the chapel, and to hear our choir.

Picture below: Nov. 2009

Click on the picture to see more photos of the baptism. 

 

Our priest is Hieromonk Aidan (Keller), pictured above.

 

Our Vladika is Bishop PETER of Cleveland. Vladika was previously head of the Jordanville Seminary, and head of the Jerusalem Mission. He speaks various languages and is a true monk. He is our "father of fathers," and our prayers are raised for him always. May God grant our Vladika many years!

Church name. Our church is called Holy Protection. This refers to an event when the Virgin Mary protected God's people at Constantinople, capital of the Roman Empire. Pagan Russian forces had attacked the city, but the Virgin Mary was seen praying to Almighty God for the people. Not only did her prayer scatter the enemy, and spare the Christian population, but before long the Russian people became converted to faith in Jesus Christ. Soon the Russians brought the gift of Christianity to the Far East, to the Americas, to Africa, to Australia, and to Western Europe (which had possessed it, then lost it). God's ways are mysterious.

History.  In 2001 the church was begun by Russian Orthodox believers. During 2001-2004 the chapel was remodeled and occasional services were held by Fr. Ljubomir Kupec, visiting from Houston, Texas. In July 2007 Bishop Peter of Cleveland assigned Fr. Cassian Sibley of College Station, Texas, and monthly Liturgies began. In September 2008, Fr. Aidan (Keller) of Austin was assigned, and weekly Liturgies began. 

Priests: 
Rev. Father Aidan (Keller), cell (512) 696-6890, a hieromonk of the Eastern America diocese, is the resident priest.
Rev. Father Paul Andreasen, Orthodox military chaplain at Ft. Hood, serves regularly with Fr. Aidan in Austin.
Rev. Father Cassian Sibley, who resides in Bryan and serves its parish, is our rector, and visits the Austin parish at least four times a year.

Choir:  Dominica McGinnis (choirmistress), Ludmila Voskov, Lydia Kidd, Anesti Pochi, Katherine McGinnis, and Sarah McGinnis (sometimes also Anna Belov and others). On special occasions we are joined by Michael and Elizabeth Hritz of the OCA. If you want to sing, let Dominica or Fr. Aidan know of your interest.

Officers:  Dmitri Mercier, warden and altar server; Maria Gvardeitseva, secretary; Lydia Kidd, treasurer; Ludmila Voskov, member-at-large; and Sergei Larin, member-at-large. The president of our council is Fr. Aidan Keller, acting for Fr. Cassian Sibley.

Why the Russian Church?  The Orthodox Church has different church administrations for different parts of the world. The Greek Church serves the people of Greece. The Russian Church serves the people of Russia, and so on. In America many of these groups of Christians are present, and also many English-speaking Americans have converted to Christian Orthodoxy. But just what is the "Orthodox Church"?

The Orthodox Church is the oldest of all Christian churches. She was active in the world even before the New Testament was written. To this day, she remains faithful to the teachings of Christ, preserving the original Holy Bible and the original Christian belief and way of prayer. In the 20th century Russian Orthodox Christianity passed through unbelievable persecution, suffering together with her Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. Therefore this Church has a special contribution or witness to give the other churches. This witness speaks of genuine self-sacrifice in following Christ's path. This witness is needed today in America, where Christian faith has largely become watered down, a pick-and-choose approach to prayer, morals, and truth. Russian Orthodox Christianity can teach us authentically how to take up our cross, to follow Christ, and to become transformed by His grace.

We invite all people in the Austin area to join us for prayer and worship, and to browse our collection of Orthodox books and icons.

To schedule a house or car blessing, baptism, funeral, or request a presentation on Orthodoxy for your group, call Fr. Aidan at (512) 696-6890 or email hieromonachusaidanus@yahoo.com.