LABRYS Religious Community, since its establishment, implements a series of actions to fulfill the restoration of the Hellenic religious tradition and thus the Hellenic worldview and lifestyle in the place it deserves, a fully legally recognised and functional spiritual path.
Books - Library
LABRYS Religious Community, in the context of its aims, studies, researches and publishes texts and books concerning the Hellenic (polytheistic) religion.
Hellenic Polytheism : Household Worship
We are very happy to present you, a few months after the original Greek publication, our first book in the English language (2015). A long awaited effort to make available for the first time abroad, the realities of Hellenic worship as practiced in the birth place of our religion. Our hope is that with this publication newer but also older followers of Hellenismos will find all the basic information to practice household worship in a traditional manner.
Authored by mr Christos Pandion Panopoulos, mr Panagiotis Meton Panagiotopoulos, mr Erymanthos Armyras. Edited and translated by mrs Lesley Madytinou, mr Mano Rathamanthys Madytinos. Prepared for publication by mr Vasilios Cheiron Tsantilas.
Within this publication, the reader is presented with explanations for the central concepts and basic guidelines to the ceremonies that form a part of Hellenic Household Worship as has been established and is currently practiced by the LABRYS Religious Community in Hellas (Greece).
It serves as a useful introductory manual for the newcomer to contemporary Hellenic Polytheism as they take the first steps on their journey to worship the Hellenic Gods in a traditional manner. See the Table of Contents.
How to Order the Book
The Hellenic Polytheism : Household Worship is available on Amazon store.
Book reviews
Library
LABRYS Religious Community started the creation of a digital list/library for all serious students of the Hellenic religion.
All books that are in our personal libraries will be added to the digital list/library site Librarything. Our aim is to be able to list the most important books/studies on the Hellenic religion.
Additionally, LABRYS Religious Community might provide information and references to any interested party on the books that are on our list after an inquiry or request.
Any inquiry about a book will be forwarded to members who own the work, hoping to create a knowledge network based on valid and documented works by foreign and Greek scholars.
If you want you can participate and help us expand our community's library in the following ways:
Texts
As we state in our founding statement, our key objective is the devotional practice, and it is our aim, through these pages to try to present the main aspects of the Hellenic worship in a way easily understandable and practical, so that anyone can follow the devotional path of our ancestors. Because we want to present the basic and necessary without undue delay, the texts will evolve gradually and be subject to a continuous enrichment process, renewal and documentation to include more details later.
In our attempt to enrich and document texts, we are open to your suggestions, including data revisions and corrections.
Following some introductory texts for the Hellenic Religion:
On Ceremonies
Preparation:
Basic structure:
It is important to mention that any by-products of the ritual such as ashes, old offerings or wine that has been libated, etc. should be placed in some clean space so that they may be recycled [into the earth]. This space could be a garden or a flowerpot. One could also collect them on the altar and periodically dispose of them in a natural environment.
At no point should these by-products be treated as if they were refuse or waste.
Ceremony of Heliodites
The Sun as with every other star in the universe is party to its order and harmony and, for this reason, it is often referred to as the king of the visible or sensible world. It has the power to cleanse, to uplift the mind and to provide life, health and personal development/growth. It also teaches us internal harmony; a necessity for communion with the divine beings.
Noumenia Ceremony
The first day of the month is named Noumenia and it is a sacred day, dedicated to Apollon. On this day we honour all of the cherished Gods, and especially the Household Gods.
As this is the most sacred of days of the month and marks its beginning; it is advisable to pay special attention to the ceremony, allowing sufficient time for the care of the household statues and devotional items.
On Altars
The primary physical feature of Hellenic worship is the altar without which worship becomes difficult. The altar is the foundation of becoming aware of the Gods and the specific place of giving honour to the Divine by mankind.
About Libations
A Libation or Sponde as it is called in the ancient Hellenic language is the pouring of Libatory liquids onto the altar, in the fire, on the ground, upon trees or in the sea, rivers and lakes. It is a Sacred Act that is inseparable from the Hellenic Religious Practice.
Household Worship
The Oikos (Household) is of especial significance for Hellenes. It is not only associated, as is common today, with the house as a dwelling but the term includes the members of the family, the building with its contents as well as that which is the topic of this essay; namely the household worship and family traditions.
Purfication
In the ancient world, those who had been exposed to Miasma in its various forms (pollution of the soul, body, household or city) were prohibited from entering the temple precincts until they had been purified. This monograph is thus a call for each of us to deliberate upon Miasma and the purity necessary for a closer relationship to the Gods.
Catalysing Maturity
The first insight one receives when studying the ancient Hellenic rites of passage into adulthood is the intricacy, finesse and balanced manner in which the structures of civic, social, familial and religious life were integrated with each other.
Other Actions
Following some indicative actions perofrmed by LABRYS Religious Community regarding its primary vision, to restore the Hellenic religious tradition and thus the Hellenic worldview and lifestyle in the place it deserves, a full legally recognized and functional spiritual path.
Events
LABRYS Religious Community continues the Hellenic tradition by organizing the annual festival of Attica Dionysia. This unique festival is celebrated in Athens and is dedicated to the Hellenic worldview. The festival of Attica Dionysia is organized by LABRYS and have participated and participate, besides LABRYS' members, many artists, musicians, composers, actors, directors, choreographers, dancers, music and dance groups, sports, cultural and other associations who highlight with their work this part of the Greek Civilization/Tradition that highlights the feature which characterizes it, the Piety in gods.
Talks
LABRYS Religious Community has organized and organize a series of lectures and seminars for the Hellenic religion in the LABRYS Function Hall or in other venues.
Interviews
LABRYS Religious Community has given interviews in various media and has participated in TV show regarding the Hellenic religion.
Initiatives for joint action
LABRYS Religious Community has taken initiatives for joint action with other associations on issues concerning the Hellenic religion.