Thyrsos was formed by followers of the Hellenic Religion. They fight for its Restoration, its legal recognition in Hellas, defend the original authentic pre-Christian tradition, and contribute to the spread of the Hellenic Civilization worldwide.

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If your religious practice was revealed “by the Gods” after an unfortunate (or fortunate) blow to the head…

If you decided to use a list of transformational sayings from Hay House as the new Delphic Maxims…

If you believe Kevin Sorbo really is Hercules/Herakles…

If you think contemplation requires more fiber in your diet…

If you believe Hellenic humanism is a life stance that rejects reason and ethics…

If you think Plato is an animated cartoon character made famous in a series of Disney short cartoons…

If you think reading Tarot cards while smoking reefer or high on some other psychoactive drug makes you a Mantis…

If you think the Maxims are “just suggestions” and not protocols for correct social behavior…

If you identify as Hellenic Kin…

If you think your schizophrenia is really a higher state of consciousness and places you in communion with the Gods…

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translated by Thomas Taylor

Chapter I

O PERICLES, to me the dearest of friends, I am of opinion that the whole philosophy of Plato was at first unfolded into light through the beneficent will of superior natures, exhibiting the intellect concealed in them, and the truth subsisting, together with beings, to souls conversant with generation (so far as it is lawful for them to participate of such supernatural and mighty good); and again, that afterwards having received its perfection, returning as it were into itself and becoming unapparent to many who professed to philosophize; and who earnestly desired to engage in the investigation of true being, it again advanced into light. But I particularly think that the mystic doctrine respecting divine concerns, which is purely established on a sacred foundation, and which perpetually subsists with the gods themselves, became thence apparent to such as are capable of enjoying it for a time, through one man, whom I should not err in calling the primary leader and hierophant of those true mysteries, into which souls separated from terrestrial places are initiated, and of those entire and stable visions, which those participate who genuinely embrace a happy and blessed life. But this philosophy shone forth at first from him so venerably and arcanely, as if established in sacred temples, and within their adyta, and being unknown to many who have entered into these holy places, in certain orderly periods of time, proceeded as much as was possible for it into light, through certain true priests, and who embraced a life corresponding to the tradition of such mystic concerns. It appears likewise to me, that the whole place became splendid, and that illuminations of divine spectacles everywhere presented themselves to the view.

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translated by Benjamin Jowett (1871)

Socrates’ Defense

How you have felt, O men of Athens, at hearing the speeches of my accusers, I cannot tell; but I know that their persuasive words almost made me forget who I was – such was the effect of them; and yet they have hardly spoken a word of truth. But many as their falsehoods were, there was one of them which quite amazed me; – I mean when they told you to be upon your guard, and not to let yourselves be deceived by the force of my eloquence. They ought to have been ashamed of saying this, because they were sure to be detected as soon as I opened my lips and displayed my deficiency; they certainly did appear to be most shameless in saying this, unless by the force of eloquence they mean the force of truth; for then I do indeed admit that I am eloquent. But in how different a way from theirs! Well, as I was saying, they have hardly uttered a word, or not more than a word, of truth; but you shall hear from me the whole truth: not, however, delivered after their manner, in a set oration duly ornamented with words and phrases. No indeed! but I shall use the words and arguments which occur to me at the moment; for I am certain that this is right, and that at my time of life I ought not to be appearing before you, O men of Athens, in the character of a juvenile orator – let no one expect this of me. And I must beg of you to grant me one favor, which is this – If you hear me using the same words in my defence which I have been in the habit of using, and which most of you may have heard in the agora, and at the tables of the money-changers, or anywhere else, I would ask you not to be surprised at this, and not to interrupt me. For I am more than seventy years of age, and this is the first time that I have ever appeared in a court of law, and I am quite a stranger to the ways of the place; and therefore I would have you regard me as if I were really a stranger, whom you would excuse if he spoke in his native tongue, and after the fashion of his country; – that I think is not an unfair request. Never mind the manner, which may or may not be good; but think only of the justice of my cause, and give heed to that: let the judge decide justly and the speaker speak truly.

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One of the words we often hear or read in discussions regarding Hellenismos is “virtue.” The modern use of the word means moral excellence and the living of one’s life by a set of moral and ethical principles. Greek ethics is not so much the condemnation of individual personal behavior, but is more in line with a set of guidelines of what one should do rather than should not. Virtue ethics emphasizes character, rather than specific rules, as the key element of ethical thinking, and the Greek concept of virtue is very closely linked to the idea of excellence and ideals. This is in a way that goes beyond what many would consider moral or ethical issues. Virtue is not a complicated concept, but it is one that every practitioner of Hellenismos must strive to understand.

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