Hellenic Paganism refers to pagans devoted to the Olympian deities. An ancient tradition, it was originally practiced in classical Greece.

The public practice of the Greek religion was made illegal by the Emperor Theodosius I in the fourth century of the current era, and this was enforced by his successors. The Greek religion, stigmatized as "paganism", the religion of country-folk (pagani) survived only in rural areas as Europe entered into the Dark Ages.

Many adherents of Hellenic paganism, like Panagiotis Marinis from the group Dodecatheon in Greece, claim that the religion of ancient Greece has survived throughout the intervening centuries. Marinis claims he was raised in a family that practiced this religion.

Greek polytheist author Vlassis Rassias has written a popular series of books on "Christian persecutions against the Hellenes," and the "Church of the Hellenes" organization goes so far as to call for the wholesale extermination of Christianity,[1] while the Athens based group Ellinais emphasizes "world peace and "the brotherhood of man."





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Modern revivalist movements Edit

Modern revivalist or reconstructionist Hellenic polytheism exists in several forms, both in Greece and in other countries.

The "Hellenic Paganism" mailing list HellenicPagan which at over 400 members is the largest English-language discussion group for Hellenic polytheists.

Worshippers of Hellenic Paganism can also be found on Facebook.

Beliefs and practices Edit

Hellenic polytheists worship the ancient Greek Gods, including the Olympians, nature divinities, underworld deities and heroes. Both physical and spiritual ancestors are honored. It is primarily a devotional or votive religion, based on the exchange of gifts (offerings) for the gods' blessings. The ethical convictions of modern Hellenic polytheists are often inspired by ancient Greek virtues such as reciprocity, hospitality, and moderation.

There is no "dogma" or central "ecclesia" (church) nor hierarchal clergy, though some groups are beginning to offer training in that capacity. Individual worshipers are generally expected to perform their own rituals and learn about the religion and the Gods by reference to primary and secondary sources on ancient Greek religion and through personal experience of the Gods. Information gained from such personal experiences is often referred to in Hellenic groups as "UPG" (Unverified Personal Gnosis), a term borrowed from Ásatrú.

Hellenismos has no moral or behavioural imperatives or commandments; there is no single text believed by worshipers to signify the word of the Gods. Instead, theological beliefs and practices are based on multiple sources:

Works of Homer, Hesiod, and others. Individual experience and inspiration. Scholarly research.

The main value of Hellenism is eusebeia, often translated as piety. This implies a commitment to the worship of the Hellenic Gods and action to back this up. Other core values are hospitality, self-control and moderation.

See also Edit





References Edit

Winter, Sarah Kate Istra KHARIS: Hellenic polytheism Explored ISBN 143823192X

ISBN 143823192X Alexander, Timothy Jay. A Beginner's Guide to Hellenismos 2007. ISBN 1430324562

2007. ISBN 1430324562 Alexander, Timothy Jay. Hellenismos Today . 2007. ISBN 1430314273

. 2007. ISBN 1430314273 Burkert, Walter. Greek Religion 1987. ISBN 0-674-36281-0

Nilsson, Martin P. Greek Folk Religion 1998. ISBN 0-8122-1034-4

1998. ISBN 0-8122-1034-4 Winston, Kimberly. "Some still put faith in gods of the past" Chicago Tribune Aug. 20, 2004

Hellenic polytheist organizations Edit

FAQs and articles Edit

Hellenic polytheism in the news Edit