Hellenistic religion is any of the various systems of beliefs and practices of the people who lived

under the influence of ancient Greek culture during the Hellenistic period and the Roman Empire (c.
300 BCE to 300 CE). There was much continuity in Hellenistic religion: the Greek gods continued to
be worshipped, and the same rites were practiced as before.
Change came from the addition of new religions from other countries, including
the Egyptian deities Isis and Serapis, and the Syrian Gods of Atargatis and of Hadad, which
provided a new outlet for people seeking fulfillment in both the present life and the afterlife. The
worship of Hellenistic rulers was also a feature of this period, most notably in Egypt, where
the Ptolemiesadopted earlier pharaonic practice, and established themselves as god-kings.
Elsewhere rulers might receive divine status without the full status of a God.
Magic was practiced widely, and this too, was a continuation from earlier times. Throughout the
Hellenistic world, people would consult oracles, and use charms and figurines to deter misfortune or
to cast spells. Also developed in this era was the complex system of astrology, which sought to
determine a person's character and future in the movements of the sun, moon, and planets. The
systems of Hellenistic philosophy, such as Stoicism and Epicureanism, offered an alternative to
traditional religion, even if their impact was largely limited to the educated elite.

Beliefs and practices[edit]

Further information: Ancient Greek religion
Hellenic polytheists worship the ancient Greek Gods, including the Olympians, nature divinities,
underworld deities (chthonic 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.[36] 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 "charis", grace), to establish reciprocity between humanity and the gods, between
individuals, and among community members.[37][38] 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/assembly) or hierarchical 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, though now commonly used among many pagan
religions.

Reconstructionism[edit]
Further information: 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, Kemetic,
Canaanite, Hellenic, Roman, Celtic, Germanic, Baltic and Slavic Reconstructionists aim for the
revival of historical practices and beliefs of Ancient Egypt, Ancient Canaan and Phoenicia, Ancient
Greece, Ancient Rome, the Celts, the Germanic peoples, the Balts and the Slavs, respectively.
Most Hellenic polytheist groups unequivocally state that reconstructionism is not the only correct
method of practicing the ancient Greek religion, but do identify a practice as Hellenic only when it
embraces the humanistic values and ethical virtues of the ancient Greeks, demonstrates loyalty and
reverence toward the Greek Gods, and uses a religious structure that would be recognizable to an
ancient Greek.[39][40][41][42] These groups make a clear distinction between themselves and the
Neopagan movement, and identify some 'Hellenic' groups as "simply disguised as 'Hellenes' for
reasons that exist hidden within the depths of their own minds." [43]

Revivalism[edit]
Revivalism focuses more on Hellenic Polytheism as a living, changing religion. Hellenic Revivalism
allows more room for practitioners to decide what feels right to them. Most modern Hellenic
Polytheists exist somewhere on a Reconstructionist to Revivalist spectrum.

Stated continuity[edit]
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.[44] Whether or not they believe that the Hellenic
polytheist religious tradition is continuous, there is evidence that Greek Hellenic polytheists within
the modern country of Greece see the movement as an expression of Greek cultural heritage, in
opposition to the Orthodox Christianity that is overwhelmingly dominant.[45][46]