New research project on Hellenic Polytheism in contemporary Greece

Over the next three years, the philologist and (religious) sociologist will be investigating the multi-layered scene of Hellenic polytheism in Greece today. A research desideratum in several respects: For although religious movements and people who feel connected to pre-Christian natural religions,can be observed internationally, in a number of European countries (and beyond), the followers the ancient Greek religion and tradition in contemporary Greece have a number of special features, particularly because of their connection to ancient Greek polytheism and their fierce criticism of the Greek Orthodox Church, the modern Greek state, the academic ancient studies establishment and the country's official ideology about the historically harmonious connection between Hellenism and Christianity. The research project at the University of Erfurt now aims to investigate these religious groups and organisations both "internally" (in terms of beliefs, ritual practices, structure) and "externally" (e.g. influences, co-operation, conflicts, recruitment strategies, public relations) in a differentiated, detailed and systematic way. Methodologically, both a qualitative content analysis and field research with targeted interviews are planned. The results will then be made available to both academic and non-academic audiences in conferences, specialist articles, blog posts and a monograph on the subject.

These groups and organisations share some common characteristics (e.g. idealisation of antiquity, nature worship, polytheism vs. monotheism), but differ in terms of aspects of faith, ritual practice and political ideology. A stronger presence and visibility of such movements can be observed from the 1980s onwards, when Greek society gradually liberalised. In this context, some organisations were able to gain legal recognition, even though the scene of Hellenic polytheism as a whole is still marginalised by many in the country today.

"This project is not only essential for a better understanding of the religious and cultural landscape of Greece today", says Professor Vasilios N. Makrides, who will supervise the project at his professorship. “It will also address topics of extraordinary relevance for a comparative study of religious movements and people who feel connected to pre-Christian natural religions in a pan-European context, which could be theoretically useful for religious studies and other social and cultural sciences.”