Our Mission Statement

"Our mission is to foster spiritual community where any individual can experience fellowship and acceptance; cultivate a sense of connectedness and responsibility to all creation; and find support in a journey toward spiritual truth."

Hellenismos (Ἑλληνισμός Hellēnismós), corresponding to the English word Hellenism, meant (in ancient Greek) the imitation of the Greeks. The term's use in religion stems from a systemization of Greek Religion done by the Roman Emperor Julian. Today, this word is used in modern Greek to refer to the totality of the Greek people and culture.

Outside Greece, it is used by some to refer to the traditional, polytheistic religion of ancient Greece, reconstructed in and adapted to the modern world. (Within Greece, this movement may be referred to as "Ethnic" Hellenism to differentiate it from a generalized Greek cultural identity that includes affiliation with the Greek Orthodox Church.) This is also called Hellenic Polytheism, Hellenic Paganism, Greek Reconstructionism, Dodecatheism, Classical Paganism, Olympianism or simply Hellenism (Classical). Those who practice this religion are variously known as Hellenic polytheists, Hellenic pagans, Hellenic reconstructionists, Hellenists, or Hellenes. See Greek religion.

Hellenic polytheists worship the ancient Greek Gods—the Olympians, nature divinities, underworld deities—and heroes. Ancestors are honored, both physical and spiritual. It is primarily a devotional or votive religion, based on the exchange of gifts (offerings) for the gods' blessings. Hellenismos has an ethical system based on the principles of reciprocity, hospitality, and moderation.

Today, worship of the ancient Greek Gods is common amongst neopagan religions such as Wicca, as well as in dedicated Hellenic circles.

There is no central "ecclesia" (church) or hierarchal clergy, though some groups are beginning to offer training to those who wish to serve in that capacity. Individual worshippers 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 religious experience, often referred to in Hellenic groups as "UPG" (Unverified Personal Gnosis).

Beliefs

Hellenismos isn't a book-based religion; there is no single text believed by worshippers to be the word of the Gods. Instead, theological beliefs and practices are based on multiple sources:

1. Works of Homer, Hesiod, and others.
2. Individual experience and inspiration.
3. 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.

External Links

• FAQ
• Elaion - Traditionalist Hellenismos
• Hellenion- a US-based religious organization dedicated to the revival and practice of Hellenic polytheism.
• Sannion's Sanctuary - A set of articles and other writings from a worshipper.
• Supreme Council of the Followers Of Hellenic Religion, The (YSEE) - The Greek Organization for the restoration of the Hellenic Religion - member of the World Congress of Ethnic Religions (WCER).
• The Delphic Oracle - A webring for Greek and Roman Reconstructionists, as well as others interested in the civilizations of Ancient Greece and Rome.
• Kyklos Apollon- A worship group that honors the God Apollo on a weekly basis.