The Hellenic Religion, also known as Hellenism, is the indigenous polytheistic religion of the Hellenes, with roots that go back to ancient times. This seminar offers an in-depth perspective at this living worldview, from which Hellenic thought shaped theology, tradition, philosophy, and cosmogonic narratives.
The Hellenic Religion consists of three axes:
The Hellenic Religion is polytheistic, as it recognizes and accepts the natural law of the multiplicity of the Cosmos. Its unique pantheon of Gods and Goddesses expresses and guarantees the functioning of the multiple and complex cosmic forces that constitute the Universe.
The Hellenic Religion is deeply naturalistic because it understands that the divine governs and permeates nature, making it sacred and alive. The Gods manifest themselves and act through the natural functions of nature (e.g., the annual cycle, birth, death, and rebirth), establishing the eternal and unchanging laws of the Cosmos.
Approaching the divine and understanding the laws of nature requires rational and intellectual processing and perception. Since ancient times, the observation, analysis, and systematization of natural phenomena have formed the basis of theology and worship practices (sacred rites, festivals, rituals). Knowledge of the divine world therefore arises from the study of living and sacred nature.
What will we examine in the seminar?
The seminar will explore how the Hellenes' "logically grounded sacred discourse," enriched by mythological narratives, has been preserved as an authentic and true tradition to this day. We will understand how the lived experience of sacredness leads humans to recognize the pervasive divinity around and within them, and how this perception shaped the ethics, art, and philosophy of Hellenic civilization.
We will discover how Hellenism offers a distinctive, rational, and deeply spiritual way of connecting with the divine and the laws of the Universe.
Elena Petri is recognized and authorized by the Greek state as a Priestess of the Hellenic Ethnic Religion since 2017 and she is also a board member of the Supreme Council of Ethnikoi Hellenes (YSEE). She is a co-founder of the YSEE’s Hieropractical Branch «Delphys» in its informal form in 2003 and in its legal form as a member of the board since 2009. Due to her professional status as a Web Developer she has designed and manages the websites of the organisation. She inspired and created the Mythological Lab for kids in 2014 and is the head of it until today. She leads the Ritual Department and since 2014 holds the title of High Priestess of Hellenic Ethnic Religion. She has translated 2 books from ancient Greek to modern Greek (Orphic Hymns and Cornutus Theology) and has also written 2 books on Hellenic Theology and Doctrine of Virtue.
George Lizos is a spiritual teacher, healer, and priest of the Hellenic Ethnic Religion in Cyprus. He is also the bestselling author of Secrets of Greek Mysticism, Protect Your Light, and Ancient Manifestation Secrets, which have been translated into more than 10 languages. His work has been featured in Goop, National Geographic, Mind Body Green, The Sun, and US Weekly, and he was named Spiritual Writer of the Year 2024 by Kindred Spirit Magazine. George’s work blends ancient and modern practices to help people connect with their true purpose and live joyful, fulfilling lives.