Hellenic Polytheistic Reconstructionism (also Hellenic Reconstructionism) 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. 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).[1] 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.[2]

In Greece
The Greek organization Ύπατο Συμβούλιο των Ελλήνων Εθνικών (Supreme Council of Ethnikoi Hellenes or YSEE), established in 1997,[3] 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. YSEE is also a member of the European Union’s action program 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),[4] 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”.[5]

In the United States and elsewhere
Outside of Greece, Hellenic Polytheistic Reconstructionist organizations began to emerge around 1998. 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.[6]

In the US, the Hellenic polytheist organization Hellenion also identifies its practices as “Hellenic Pagan Reconstructionism” and emphasizes historical accuracy in its mission statement.[7] 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.[8] While Hellenion maintains a Yahoo Group for “members, prospective members, and friends”, it is not publicly accessible. The group keeps itself low-key, does not appear to host events, provide public services, and does not appear to actively promote itself.

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.[9] 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.

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

Hellenic polytheism
The religion of Classical Greece was polytheistic, practiced in the area surrounding the Aegean Sea, and corresponds to most of the religious practices from the 6th, 5th and 4th centuries BC (the most common dates being the fall of the last Athenian tyrant in 510 BC to the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC).

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 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.

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.

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
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
Authentic Hellenic polytheist organizations are “revivalist” or “reconstructionist”, 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.[10] 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.[11][12] 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.[13] 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,[14] while the Athens based group Ellinais emphasizes “world peace and “the brotherhood of man.”[15]

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.[16]
• 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.[17] 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.”[18]

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.” [19]

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.[20]

One particular practice many Hellenic Polytheists find not conducive to the Hellenic tradition is the use of magic.[21] 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.

Tensions exist between those Neopagans who attempt to claim Hellenic Polytheism is merely faith and ritualism, devoid of virtue and obligation, and/or that it is an esoteric mystery religion. Some attempts have been made to claim Hellenic Polytheism as inclusive of everything from strict Reconstructionism to Eclectic Witchcraft[22], and compatible with Esotericism and New Age practices of Self Spirituality, Socialism, irrationalism over reason and science, and the embracing of pseudosciences. Most Hellenic Polytheist groups unequivocally state 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.[23][24][25][26][27]

Notes

1. ^ Letter From Greece: The Gods Return to Olympus
2. ^ Hellenismos FAQ (The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum)
3. ^ Supreme Council of Ethnikoi Hellenes
4. ^ Δωδεκάθεον – Πύλη
5. ^ Societas Hellenica Antiquariorum – Helliniki Hetaireia Archaiophilon
6. ^ Campbell, Drew (2000). Old Stones, New Temples. Xlibris. pp. pp. 20-21.
7. ^ Hellenion: Mission Statement
8. ^ Estimate based on annual membership dues reported in the Hellenion, Inc. Statement of Activities For the Year Ended December 31, 2007 compared to the $10 required membership dues stated on their Member Application
9. ^ Dodekatheism
10. ^ Jamil Said. I Still Worship Zeus [DVD]. Jamil Said Productions.
11. ^ International Religious Freedom Report US State Dept. investigation into religious freedom in Greece (2004) and [1](2005)
12. ^ Brunwasser, Matthew (Jan /Feb 2005). “Letter From Greece: The Gods Return to Olympus“. Archaeology Magazine 58 (1). http://www.archaeology.org/0501/abstracts/letter.html. Retrieved on 2007-01-30.
13. ^ Supreme Council of Ethnikoi Hellenes
14. ^ Who we are – Hellenic Religion. Church of Hellenes
15. ^ Ayiomamitis, Paris (January 21, 2007). “Modern Pagans Honor Zeus in Athens“. AP. http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=2811383&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312. Retrieved on February 2007.
16. ^ Drills and axes ravage ancient Greek site
17. ^ Extrajudicial protest – denunciation – statement of Greek Citizens, concerning the 2004 Olympics’ “mascot” choice
18. ^ Ancient Greek gods’ new believers. Retrieved February 10, 2007, from BBC News
19. ^ “Hellenismos Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ“. Hellenismos.us. http://hellenismos.us/f/YaBB.pl?custompage=FAQ. Retrieved on March 26 2008.
20. ^ Beliefnet.com
21. ^ Magic and mysticism: Why I don’t believe in them
22. ^ Winter, Sarah Kate Istra (2008). KHARIS: Hellenic Polytheism Explored. CreatePress. pp. pp. 31-32.
23. ^ “Frequently asked questions about the Ethnic Hellenic religion and tradition: What do you think you will achieve by returning to the Ancient Ways in today’s society?“. Supreme Council of Ethnikoi Hellenes. http://www.ysee.gr/index-eng.php?type=english&f=faq#4. Retrieved on September 9 2008.
24. ^ Alexander, Timothy Jay (2007). A Beginner’s Guide to Hellenismos. LuLu Press. pp. pp. 21-22. ISBN 978-1-4303-2456-0.
25. ^ “On Orthopraxy“. Hellenismos.us. http://hellenismos.us/b/2008/08/on-orthopraxy/. Retrieved on September 9 2008.
26. ^ “Hellenic Ethics:Living Virtues in Community“. The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum. http://www.ecauldron.com/greekethics.php. Retrieved on September 9 2008.
27. ^ “The centrality of ethics in Dodekathiesm“. Elaion. http://www.elaion.org/ethics.htm. Retrieved on September 9 2008.

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.
• Campbell, Drew (2000). Old Stones, New Temples: Ancient Greek Paganism Reborn. Xlibris Corporation. ISBN 978-0-7388-3201-2.

Source: Hellenic Polytheistic Reconstructionism. (2008, September 15). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 03:23, 15 September 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hellenic_Polytheistic_Reconstructionism&oldid=238503396

Tags: Ancient Greek religion, Hellenic Polytheism, Hellenic Polytheistic Reconstructionism, Hellenismos, Polytheism, Religion in Greece, Supreme Council of Ethnikoi Hellenes, WCER, World Congress of Ethnic Religions, YSEE