The Parish Choir

The St. Elias choir sings every Sunday, rotating between our two campuses and rehearses twice a month on the first and third Saturdays. Singing music drawn from various Orthodox musical traditions including Byzantine, Greek, Russian, and American in both old and modern compositions, the choir is directed by Bill Attal, who has served in this capacity for over 50 years, and Patricia Rudawski. Congregational singing is always encouraged as well. On Sundays with no choir, singing is led by the Chanters. 
 

St. Elias Ladies Guild

The St. Elias Ladies Guild offers many occasions throughout the year for the women of our parish to gather and foster connection and fellowship with each other. Monthly events range from social gatherings, book studies, craft sessions, and prosphora baking. At the beginning of Lent, our annual women’s overnight retreat offers an opportunity to spend quality time together while praying and learning more about each other and our faith. The GroupMe app is used to keep everyone in touch throughout the year. 

 

Orthodox Young Adult (OYA)

The Orthodox Young Adult group provides opportunities for fellowship and is open to all young adults in their 20s-40s. 

 

The Parish Council

The Parish Council meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month and helps in the administration of the parish. Members are elected at the annual general meeting or are appointed by the pastor and serve a three-year term. 

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Click here for current members​

 

Church School

Our Church School serves children ages 4 to 17 at both campuses, with lessons and activities on most Sundays throughout the school year. We have dedicated and enthusiastic teachers who are constantly creating innovative ways of engaging our children in the curriculum and our Orthodox Faith. It is our goal to bring our children a deeper knowledge of God and maturity in the faith through the teaching of Holy Scripture, the Liturgical and Sacramental life of the Church, charitable activities, and fellowship with each other.  

St. Elias also holds a Vacation Church School each Summer. Notifications and updates are posted on our Facebook page, website, and in the weekly bulletins.

 

Men’s Group

Occasionally, the men of the parish gather on an evening for a time of fellowship. These gatherings are announced in the bulletin and e-news and all men of the parish are welcome to attend. 

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Mediterranean Festival 

Every year in the Fall, the church hosts the St. Elias Mediterranean Festival, also known as “Med Fest”. An Austin tradition for over 80 years, Med Fest features live music, dancing, shops, and authentic food from many countries. Follow our Facebook page for notifications.

 

Educational Classes

Throughout the year various classes are available to enrich our understanding of the Holy Orthodox Faith and nurture our relationship and knowledge of God. Classes include bible study series, book studies, contemporary issues, chanting, and various aspects of our faith. Classes are held in the evenings, typically following services, and during the daytime and are open to all. Schedule and topics are included on our Facebook page, online calendar, and in the weekly bulletins.

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Teen SOYO 

Teen SOYO (Society of Orthodox Youth Organizations) is for teens ages 13-18 and seeks to fully integrate each teen into the full life of the Church, to create a safe and nurturing environment for teenagers to grow in Christ, and to form spiritual and social bonds between each individual so that a profound and life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ and His Holy Church can be realized. Through the principal points of worship, worship, witness, and fellowship, Teen SOYO strives to bring its members to a deeper understanding of our faith and our God.

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Chanters

The chanters at St. Elias are the heartbeat of the church’s worship service. Traditional Byzantine music settings (tones) are chanted for Vespers, Matins, and select Divine Liturgies. There are 8 tones and they rotate every week. The chanters in our parish are always looking to welcome new voices, and we offer periodic chanting classes for those interested.