Parish History

From very humble beginnings in a small church hall on Justin Lane, Austin, Texas, in 1985, Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church has grown to a beautiful beacon high on the hill of St. Stephen’s School Road. The magnificent icons and Byzantine art are a testament to the devotion and love parishioners share here as we spread God’s love. It took great faith and big dreams to build our Byzantine church sanctuary, and our Church has a long and beautiful history. Here is a brief summary of several benchmark events that have occurred since our inception:

  • 1985 Father Nick Triandafilou initiates Greek Orthodox services in Austin, Texas.
  • 1988 The Church is officially named “Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church.”
  • 1990 The property on St. Stephens School Road is acquired.
  • 1991 The first liturgy on the new property is performed by Father Nick Triandafilou under a tree outside of what will soon be Mount Tabor Hall.
  • 1993 The first Mt. Tabor Hall is built.
  • 2006 Sanctuary iconography is placed.
  • 2010 Father Vasileios, Presvytera Stella and Nikoletta Flegas arrive and are welcomed with open arms.
  • 2012 Dome iconography is constructed.
  • 2016 Our Church is consecrated by His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver. (Once a building has been Consecrated as a church, it may never again be used for any secular purpose.)
  • 2019 1st Annual Austin Greek Festival is created.
  • 2021Father George Bithos is named assistant priest as he and Presvytera Ria Bithos are welcomed into the fold as such.
  • 2022 3rd Annual Austin Greek Festival is an overwhelming success.

Transfiguration has been fulfilling a philanthropic role for 34+ years in the Austin community serving those in need with home-delivered meals, feeding the homeless, and offering support to 25 local, national and international charities. The Ladies Philoptochos Society leads the way in working tirelessly on charitable projects to help those less fortunate. Other church ministries volunteer to serve those in need as well.

The 3rd Annual Austin Greek Festival has become a great way to spread the Greek culture and religion as well as providing much-needed funds for the new Building Expansion Project. Interactive church tours provide an opportunity to experience the love, fullness, and allure of the Orthodox faith through the stunning Byzantine art and iconography while learning about the long and historical path of the Orthodox religion, which centers around love and philanthropy.