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 Hellenic Reconstructionism) refers to various reconstructionist movements that 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. Polytheistic reconstructionism is not a religion itself, but is the methodology for re-establishing a historical polytheistic (or pre-Christian) religion in the modern world.

Hellenismos, or Hellenism, is the Hellenic religion, a traditional polytheistic religion and way of life, revolving around the Greek Gods, primarily focused on the Twelve Olympians, and embracing ancient Hellenic values and virtues.

Groups and self-designations

Hellenic Reconstructionism exists in Greece and in other countries. It is estimated there are as many as 2,000 adherents to the Hellenic tradition in Greece, with an additional 100,000 who have "some sort of interest" (as of 2005). No official estimates exist for devotees worldwide or within the United States.

There is no official naming practices for this religion, but there does seem to be an informal naming convention, based on academically accepted descriptive definitions, adhered to by groups and most individuals. Additionally, subgroups use a variety of names to distinguish branches focusing on specific schools of thought, or modern traditions focusing on the public practices of individual city-states. These subgroups can be described as denominations. Hellenismos, Hellenism, the Hellenic tradition, the Hellenic religion, and Hellenic polytheism all can be said to be used interchangeably to refer to the religion, and are synonymous. The phrase Hellenic Polytheistic Reconstructionism refers to the overall movement, and a methodology used to revive the religion, but is not the religion itself. Dodekatheism and Olympianism refer to specifc "denominations", but are within the classification of the Hellenic tradition, and part of the Hellenic Polytheistic Reconstructionist movement.

Hellenismos is a popular identifier, especially in English speaking nations. The word corresponds to the English word Hellenism, and means (in ancient Greek) the civilization and culture of ancient Greece, but is also 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.

In Greece

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, and is publicly active. YSEE is a founding member of the World Congress of Ethnic Religions and hosted the seventh annual WCER Congress in June 2004, and is fast becoming the preeminent organization representing the Hellenic religion worldwide. 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 organization primarily refers to the religion as the "Ethnic Polytheistic, Hellenic Tradition", or simply "Hellenism", in English translations, and its practitioners as "Ethnikoi Hellenes".

Another Greek organization, Dodekatheon (Δωδεκάθεον, Dōdekátheon, Of the Twelve Gods), 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".

In the United States and elsewhere

Outside of Greece, Hellenic Polytheistic Reconstructionist organizations began to emerge around 1998, with some individuals claiming to have been engaging in some form of Reconstructed practice since the 1970s. Old Stones, New Temples (2000), written by American author Drew Campbell, was the first English-language book on Hellenic polytheism, and identifies "Pagan Reconstructionism," as originating from dissatisfaction with the level of cultural authenticity in Wicca and other popular forms of modern Paganism.

In the US, the Hellenic polytheist organization Hellenion also identifies its practices as "Hellenic Pagan Reconstructionism" and emphasizes historical accuracy in its mission statement. Additionally, the group uses the term "Hellenismos" (Ἑλληνισμός, Hellēnismós) to describe the religion. Hellenion does not provide official membership numbers to the public, but an unofficial estimate of 43 members can be determined for 2007. While Hellenion maintains a Yahoo Group for "members, prospective members, and friends", it is not publicly accessible.

Another American group, Elaion, uses the term "Dodekatheism" (Greek: δώδεκα, dodeka, "twelve" + θεϊσμός, theïsmós, "belief in the gods") to describe their approach to the Hellenic religion. According to the group's homepage, the organization is presently "in transition", and not accepting new members. No reported numbers for current membership levels are known to exist.

Neokoroi is another group of Hellenic polytheists in the United States and abroad. While most members of Neokoroi identify as "Reconstructionsts", not all do, nor is the practise of a "hard reconstructionist" methodology required of its members; regardless, of whether or not hard reconstruction is required of Neokoroi members, academic knowledge of ancient history, including religious practises, is very strongly encouraged and members seeking Exegete status within Neokoroi are required to produce a bare minimum of two articles for the site that display a fair amount of academic knowledge. The group is a rather popular, though largely Internet-based collective of Hellenic Polytheists; public worship is encouraged by most members and its mission statement, and members are encouraged to share photos of themselves, their shrines, personal altars, rituals, and other celebrations on the Neokoroi website, with hopes that this act of sharing will inspire practise in others. Neokoroi also publishes a quarterly newsletter, He Epistole, that is distributed amongst members and via members at a grass-roots level.

Other terms in common usage by Hellenic polytheists include "Greek reconstructionism" and "Hellenic Traditionalism".

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

See also: Sacrifice and Votive offering

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 worshiped. 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 worshipers. 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. 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.

Modern Hellenic Polytheists typically perform bloodless sacrifice or meat/bones from animals that have not been killed in situ. Consumable items such as fruit, vegetables, grains, and sweets are offered instead. Religionists make votive offerings in a similar fashion to what we know of the ancient practice.

Theology

See also: Polytheism and Greek mythology

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 gods and heroes, and expressed a generally understood symbology. 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.

Modern theology is synthesized from a variety of ancient texts, including but not limited to Sallust's On the Gods and the Cosmos and Hesiod's Works and Days. Plato, Aristotle, and other ancient philosophers also contribute to the modern movement's theological base, in addition to scholarship on mystery schools such as the Orphics and Pythagoreans.

Beliefs and practices

See also: Orthopraxy and Ethic of reciprocity

Hellenic polytheists worship the ancient Greek Gods, including the Olympians, nature divinities, underworld deities (Cthonic Gods) 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, self-control and moderation. The Delphic Maxims, Tenets of Solon, the Golden Verses of Pythagoras, or even Aristotle's Ethics each function as complete moral codes that a Hellenic Polytheist may observe. Key to most ethical systems is the idea of kharis, or the reciprocity between humanity and the Gods, between individuals, and among community members. Another key value in Hellenic Polytheism is eusebeia, often translated as piety. This implies a commitment to the worship of the Hellenic Gods and action to back this up.

There is no central "ecclesia" (church) or hierarchal clergy, though some groups (i.e., Hellenion) do 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.

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 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 Neopaganism

Worship of the Greek Gods is frequently incorporated into the practice of Neopagan religions such as Wicca, but no connections exist between these syncretic or eclectic 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 Neopagan groups and practitioners that make associations with Greek deities, Neopaganism does not require practitioners to dedicate themselves to a specific pantheon, ethical code, or worldview. Many Neopagans see the deities of diverse cultures as being different expressions of one goddess and one god, or even, ultimately, a single godhead (see Neopagan concepts of the divine and Wiccan views of divinity), and this difference in approach has drawn criticism from many Hellenic polytheists, especially those who consider themselves Reconstructionists.

One particular practice many Hellenic Polytheists find not conducive to the Hellenic tradition is the use of magic. Reconstructionists are often also critical of Neopagans who promote historically inaccurate portrayals of the Hellenic religion, the Greek Gods, or generalize and stereotype modern Paganism as Wicca-ish or only within the New Age movement.

Due to Neopaganism's influence on modern polytheistic thought in the United States, some tensions exist in the community. Which historical period to reconstruct from, which ancient philosophies and ethical codes to use, or even which city-state(s) to base practice on are heavily contested. Some have claimed that Neopagans wanting to take Hellenic Polytheism as their own would like to degrade the religion from a complex belief system incorporating virtue and obligation to something more faith-based and reliant on the idea of mystery religions. Those in favor of magical practice and esoterica counter that, as these practices did exist in Ancient Greece, they should not be excluded from the modern revival. While some room for interpretation exists, New Age practices of "do-it-yourself" spirituality, irrationalism over reason and science, and the embracing of pseudosciences are not generally compatible with Hellenic Polytheism. Most Hellenic Polytheist groups unequivocally state that Reconstructionism is not the only correct method of reviving the Hellenic religion, but do identify a practice as only Hellenic when it embraces the humanistic values and ethical virtues of the ancient Greeks, demonstrates loyalty and reverence toward the Greek Gods, promotes reason and the pursuit of wisdom, and embodies self-control, moderation, civic responsibility, and freedom.

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
• Ellinais

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

• Addey, Tim (2000). The Seven Myths of the Soul. Prometheus Trust. ISBN 978-1-8989-1037-4.
• Addey, Tim (2003). The Unfolding Wings: The Way of Perfection in the Platonic Tradition. Prometheus Trust. ISBN 978-1-8989-1041-1.
• Alexander, Timothy Jay (2007). A Beginner’s Guide to Hellenismos. Lulu Press, Inc. ISBN 978-1-4303-2456-0.
• 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.
• Burkert, Walter (1985). Greek Religion. Harvard University Press. ISBN 978-0-6743-6281-9.
• Campbell, Drew (2000). Old Stones, New Temples: : Ancient Greek Paganism Reborn. Xlibris Corporation. ISBN 978-0-7388-3201-2.
• Lewis, H. Jeremiah (2005). A Temple of Words: Essays culled from five years of "Sannion's Sanctuary". CafePress.com.
• Mikalson, Jon D (2004). Ancient Greek Religion (Blackwell Ancient Religions). Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN 978-0-6312-3223-0.
• Stone, Tom (2008). Zeus: A Journey Through Greece in the Footsteps of a God. Bloomsbury USA. ISBN 978-1-5823-4518-5.
• Winter, Sarah Kate (2008). Kharis: Hellenic Polytheism Explored. CreateSpace. ISBN 978-1-4382-3192-1.

External links

Hellenic polytheist organizations

• Dodekatheon (available in Greek only)
• Elaion
• Hellenion
• Kyklos Apollon (not strictly Reconstructionist in methodology)
• Neokoroi
• Societas Hellenica Antiquariorum (English version)
• Supreme Council of Ethnikoi Hellenes (YSEE) (English version)
  • Australian Ethnikoi Hellenes (branch of YSEE)
  • Hellenes Ethnikoi in Canada (branch of YSEE)
  • Supreme Council of National Greeks America (branch of YSEE)

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)