Hellenism (modern religion)

File:YSEE ritual.jpg

A ceremony at the annual Prometheia festival of the Greek polytheistic group Supreme Council of Ethnikoi Hellenes, June 2006.

Hellenic Polytheistic Reconstructionism (also Hellenismos, Hellenism and Dodekatheism) refers to various reconstructionist movements that attempt to revive ancient Greek religious practices, emerging since the 1990s. Since 1997 the movement in Greece has been institutionalized under the Supreme Council of Ethnikoi Hellenes.

Hellenismos is a polytheistic religion, revolving around a variety of deities, led by Zeus.

Groups and self-designations

Modern revivalist or reconstructionist Hellenic polytheism exists in several forms, both in Greece and in other countries. There are no standardized naming practices for this religion, and individual practitioners and groups use a variety of names, often reflecting subtle differences in belief or practice.

It is estimated that perhaps 2,000 Greeks practise in the ethnic Hellenic tradition and another 100,000 have "some sort of interest" (as of 2005).

The Greek organization Ύπατο Συμβούλιο των Ελλήνων Εθνικών (Supreme Council of Ethnikoi Hellenes or YSEE), established in 1997, acts as an umbrella organization in Greece. YSEE is a founding member of the World Congress of Ethnic Religions and hosted the seventh annual WCER Congress in June 2004. YSEE is also a member of the European Union's action programme to combat discrimination. About 2500 people attended YSEE's Prometheia festival in 2005.

The YSEE refers to the religion as the "Ethnic Polytheistic, Hellenic Tradition", or simply "Hellenism", and its practitioners as "Ethnikoi Hellenes".

Another Greek organization, Dodekatheon (Δωδεκάθεον, Dōdekátheon), uses the term ἑλληνικὴ θρησκεία (hellēnikē thrēskeîa, translated as "Hellenic religion").

A third, the Helliniki Hetaireia Archaiophilon (Societas Hellenica Antiquariorum), prefers the phrase, "traditional Hellenic religion of the Dodecatheon".

The US-based organization Hellenion uses the term "Hellenismos" (Ἑλληνισμός, Hellēnismós). This term, corresponding to the English word Hellenism, meant (in ancient Greek) the civilization and culture of ancient Greece, and is used in modern Greek to refer to the totality of the Greek people and culture. The term's use in religion stems from a systemization of Greek Religion done by the Roman Emperor Julian. Its use to refer to modern revivalist Hellenic polytheism was popularized by Andrew Campbell, the author of Old Stones, New Temples. Another American group, Elaion, uses the term "Dodekatheism[" (Greek: δώδεκα, dodeka, "twelve" + θεϊσμός, theïsmós, "belief in the gods"). "Hellenic Paganism" is sometimes used, most notably on the HellenicPagan mailing list, which at nearly 600 members is the largest English-language discussion group for Hellenic polytheists. However, some Hellenic polytheists, such as the members of YSEE, object to the use of the word "Pagan" to characterize their religious practices because of the term's origin as an insult.

Other terms in common usage by revivalist Hellenic polytheists include "Hellenic" or "Greek reconstructionism" and "Hellenic Traditionalism". Those whose religious practice combines Greek and Roman elements may use terms such as "Graeco-Roman Paganism", "Classical Paganism" or "Olympianism".

Outside of Greece, Hellenic reconstructionist polytheist organizations emerge from around 1998. In Old Stones, New Temples (2000), the first English-language book on Hellenic polytheism, American author Drew Campbell identifies "Pagan Reconstructionism," as originating from dissatisfaction with the level of cultural authenticity in Wicca. The American Hellenic polytheist organization Hellenion also identifies its practices as "Hellenic Pagan Reconstructionism" and emphasizes historical accuracy in its mission statement.

Hellenic polytheism

Main article: Ancient Greek religion

The religion of Classical Greece was polytheistic, practiced in the area surrounding the Aegean Sea, continuing traditions of the Late Bronze Age Mycenaean period, and from the 4th century BC evolving into Hellenistic religion dominated by mystery religions, and during the Roman period by emerging monotheism of Neoplatonism. The widespread practice of Hellenistic religion was gradually Christianized following the edicts issued by the Roman Emperor Theodosius I at the close of the 4th century.

The cult practices of the ancient Hellenes extended beyond mainland Greece, to the islands and coasts of Ionia in Asia Minor, to Magna Graecia (Sicily and southern Italy), and to scattered Greek colonies in the Western Mediterranean, such as Massilia (Marseille). The ancient Greek concept of divinity was generally polytheistic. Religious practices varied from place to place, but all Greek peoples recognized the twelve Olympian gods (Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Apollo, Artemis, Aphrodite, Ares, Hephaestus, Athena, Hermes, Demeter, and Hestia or Dionysos). Other gods and heroes were also prominent in Greek mythology.

Worship

The most widespread public act of worship in ancient Greece was sacrifice, whether of grain or the blood sacrifice of animals. Adherents of the various deities sacrificed animals specific to the god or goddesses being worshipped. Sacrifices served multiple functions: one might perform a sacrifice as the culminating act of a public religious festival, before an important undertaking to gain the assistance of the gods, or as part of a rite of passage. The temples of the Greek religion generally were not public gathering places where people gathered socially for collective indoor prayer; most temples held little more than a cult image of the deity and the accumulated votive gifts, which might amount to a treasury.

Votive gifts were offered to the gods by their worshippers. They were often given in thanks for benefits conferred by the Gods, in anticipation of future divine favors or to receive oracular advice from the god or goddess (Herodotus, 1.46). They could also be offered to propitiate the gods for crimes involving blood-guilt, impiety, or the breach of religious customs. They were kept on display in the god's sanctuary and then usually ritually discarded after a set period of time.

Theology

In modern terms, the ancient Greeks had nothing which could be called a systematized theology. The art, literature, and even architecture of the time abounded with images and accounts of the Greek gods and heroes. Hesiod's Theogony provides a polytheistic creation myth and a wide-ranging family tree of the Greek gods.

Very late in the history of classical religion, the Neo-Platonists, including the Roman emperor Julian, attempted to organize the classical religions into a systematic belief system, to which they gave the name of Hellênismos: the belief system of the Greeks. Julian also attempted to organize Greek and Hellenistic cults into a hierarchy resembling that which Christianity already possessed. Neither of these efforts succeeded in the limited time available. Finally, the public practice of the Greek religion was made illegal by the Emperor Theodosius I and this was enforced by his successors. The Greek religion, stigmatized as "paganism", the religion of country-folk (pagani) - other scholars suggest the force of paganus was "(mere) civilian" - survived only in rural areas and in forms that were submerged in Christianized rite and ritual, as Europe entered into the Dark Ages.

Beliefs and practices

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 central "ecclesia" (church) or 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.

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.

Reconstructionism

Main article: Polytheistic reconstructionism

In polytheism, Reconstructionism is a methodology which attempts to accurately base modern religious practice on culturally and historically genuine examples of ancient religious practices. The term is frequently used in the United States to differentiate between syncretic and eclectic Neopagan movements, and those based on the traditions, writings, history, and mythology of a specific ancient polytheistic culture.

In contrast to the eclectic traditions, Reconstructionists are very culturally oriented and attempt to reconstruct historical forms of religion and spirituality, in a modern context. Therefore, Hellenic, Roman, Kemetic, Celtic, Germanic, Baltic and Slavic Reconstructionists aim for the revival of historical practices and beliefs of Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Ancient Egypt, the Celts, the Germanic peoples, the Balts and the Slavs, respectively.

Political controversy and discrimination

Further information: Discrimination against Neopagans

Modern Hellenic polytheist organizations are "revivalist" or "reconstructionist" for the most part, but many adherents like Panagiotis Marinis from the group Dodecatheon in Greece, has stated that the religion of ancient Greece has survived throughout the intervening centuries, and that he, himself, was raised in a family that practiced this religion. Whether or not they believe that the Hellenic polytheist religious tradition is continuous, there is evidence that Greek Hellenic polytheists see the movement as an expression of Greek cultural heritage, in opposition to the Orthodox Christianity that is overwhelmingly dominant in Greece. Dodecatheon and YSEE both use the terms "traditional" and "ethnic" to refer to their religious practices, and YSEE is a founding member of the World Congress of Ethnic Religions. 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, while the Athens based group Ellinais emphasizes "world peace and "the brotherhood of man."

The 2004 Summer Olympics stirred up several disputes concerning Hellenic polytheistic religion.

• Professor Giorgos Dontas, president of the Archaeological Society of Athens expressed public outrage at the destruction of ancient archaeological sites around the Parthenon and Acropolis in preparation for the Games.
• Prior to the Olympic Games, MSNBC correspondent Rehema Ellis in a story called It's Greek to Me: Group Tries to Restore Pagan Worship documented the vandalism and arson of a bookstore in Athens which sold books promoting ancient Greek religion. She also interviewed several adherents who were upset about the current state of affairs in Greece. Ellis said: "A contrast in this place where the Olympic Games were created to honour Zeus - now those praying to the ancient gods are criticized for putting too much faith in the past."
• The Greek Society of the Friends of the Ancients objected to the commercial use of Athena and Phevos as the official mascots of the 2004 Summer Olympics held in Athens. They felt that the caricatured representations of the Greek Gods Athena and Phoebus were disrespectful and culturally insensitive. In a BBC Radio interview on June 26, 2004, Dr. Pan. Marinis President of the Societas Hellenica Antiquariorum said that the mascots:

"mock the spiritual values of the Hellenic Civilization by degrading these same holy personalities that were revered during the ancient Olympic Games. For these reasons we have proceeded to legal action demanding the punishment of those responsible."

• In May of 2006 an Athens court granted official recognition to the veneration of the Ancient Greek pantheon. Referring to the ruling, Father Eustathios Kollas, who presides over a community of Greek Orthodox priests, said: "They are a handful of miserable resuscitators of a degenerate dead religion who wish to return to the monstrous dark delusions of the past."

Hellenic polytheism and Wicca

Worship of the Greek Gods is frequently incorporated into the practice of Neopagan religions such as Wicca, but no connections exist between these syncretic forms of spirituality and the Hellenic tradition.

There is no real link between Hellenismos and Wicca other than each being non-Abrahamic. They are not linked with any form of shared ethical code, set of practices, core values, institutions, common traditions and rituals, recognized sacred texts, or history. Religions that share some closer link with Hellenismos include many Reconstructionist religions such as the Asatru, Religio Romana, Romuva, Celtic Recon, and some other indigenous religions.

While there are some Wiccan covens and solitary practitioners dedicated to specific Greek deities, Wicca does not require its practitioners to dedicate themselves exclusively to one pantheon. Wicca is a syncretic tradition with an emphasis on direct communion with the Gods rather than historical reconstruction. This difference in approach has caused some tension between Wiccans and Hellenic polytheists, especially those who consider themselves Reconstructionists. One specific Wiccan practice that some Reconstructionists are critical of is the use of magic.

See also

• Greek mythology
• Roman Polytheistic Reconstructionism
• Polytheism
• Religion in modern Greece
• Separation of church and state in modern Greece
• World Congress of Ethnic Religions

References

• Greek Folk Religion by Martin P. Nilsson ISBN 0-8122-1034-4 (1998)
• Athenian Religion: A History by Robert Parker ISBN 0-19-815240-X (1998)
• Greek Religion by Walter Burkert ISBN 0-674-36281-0 (1987)
• Demolish Them by Vlassis Rassias ISBN 960-85311-3-6 (1994)
• "Some still put faith in gods of the past" by Kimberly Winston, Chicago Tribune Aug. 20, 2004

Further reading

• Alexander, Timothy Jay (2007). The Gods of Reason: An Authentic Theology for Modern Hellenismos. Lulu Press, Inc. ISBN 978-1-4303-2763-9.
• Alexander, Timothy Jay (2007). Hellenismos Today. Lulu Press, Inc. ISBN 978-1-4303-1427-1.
• Alexander, Timothy Jay (2007). A Beginner’s Guide to Hellenismos. Lulu Press, Inc. ISBN 978-1-4303-2456-0.
• Lewis, H. Jeremiah (2005). A Temple of Words: Essays culled from five years of "Sannion's Sanctuary". CafePress.com.
• Winter, Sarah Kate (2008). Kharis: Hellenic Polytheism Explored. CreateSpace. ISBN 978-1-4382-3192-1.

External links

Hellenic polytheist organizations

• Supreme Council of Ethnikoi Hellenes (YSEE) (English version)
• Dodekatheon (available in Greek only)
• Societas Hellenica Antiquariorum (English version)
• Australian Ethnikoi Hellenes (branch of YSEE)
• Hellenes Ethnikoi in Canada (branch of YSEE)
• Supreme Council of National Greeks America (branch of YSEE)
• Neokoroi

FAQs and articles

• The Cauldron Hellenic polytheism FAQ by Andrew Campbell
• Hellenismos.us (Hellenic Polytheist Community website with articles, forum, and personal blogs.)
• Neokoroi articles and sample rituals
• Kalash: The Lost Tribe of Alexander the Great (possible continuous Hellenic polytheistic tradition)
• Tropaion: researching ancient Greek religion - an academic based weblog studying and researching Hellenic polytheism.
• Frequently asked questions about the Ethnic Hellenic religion and tradition by YSEE

Hellenic polytheism in the news

• Pagans fight for divine rights of old Greek gods (Scotland on Sunday, September 21 2003)
• International Religious Freedom Report US State Dept. investigation into religious freedom in Greece (2004)
• International Religious Freedom Report US State Dept. investigation into religious freedom in Greece (2005)
• NPR reports on "Return of the Hellenes" movement (with audio) (August 5, 2004)
• Letter From Greece: The Gods Return to Olympus (Archaeology Magazine, January/February 2005)
• Group tries to restore pagan worship MS-NBC (August 2004, interview with YSEE members during the event of "Olympic" Games in Athens)
• Ancient Greek gods' new believers (BBC)