Neo-Hellenic Polytheism doesnt concern Hellenism

Ive read today with regret that the Facebook-Group Society For The Protection and
Promotion of Polytheism presented the neopagan Group Neo-Hellenic
Polytheism (NHP) as being part of Greek Polytheism. We Hellenes often explained
that we reject Neopaganism, neopagan intolerance (I want to be part of your
tradition, whether you like it or not) and that the so-called Neo-Hellenic Polytheism
does not belong to our tradition. Because Hellenes are an ethnos, not pagans, and
Hellenismos (Hellenic Tradition) is an ethnic Religion, not neopagan or pagan at
all. Paganism was fabricated by the christians (and adopted by the occident) in
order to humiliate the ancient cults and ethnicities. We would never use the
mentioned term to define ourselves (except for very rare exceptions), for it was
imposed on our ancestors, which were slaughtered, persecuted and tortured as
supposed pagans and devil worshippers. This word itself transports all the
categories of thinking and alienating power of current cultural imperialism.
Neopaganism is one of the most significant forms of current cultural imperialism.
Its outrageous to see that this group still holds onto its old propaganda. I very much
hope that the Society will correct its post, for NHP is not hellenic, but neopagan.
Hellenism is an ancient religion and part of the indigenous Hellenic identity.
Neopaganism is a modern movement that emanated from christian occultism. The
Greeks didnt practise Neopaganism and Neopaganism didnt originate from
Greece, so neopaganism can not be considered as being part of their religion. It
was never linked to Hellenism. Neopaganism is the child of western monotheism,
it has nothing to do with indigenous religions and worldviews. On the contrary,
neopaganism represents the homogenizing trait of global monotheism.
Neopaganism is not ancient, and if its not ancient, it can not be Hellenic. And
therefore it can not be part of the revitalized hellenic culture in general, unless the
mentioned Group can prove the opposite. But I havent ever read such a thing in any
scientific book written by Walter Burkert, Walter Friedrich Otto or Paul Veyne. As an
ethnic Hellene I would know if such a group existed in my tradition. The issue is not a
personal one. Nor is it about believing in the Gods, but practicing Hellenismos in a
historical and cultural accurate way, for Hellenismos is an orthopraxic tradition, and it
is the orthopraxy (right practice) that defines Hellenismos. So, the issue here
regarding this group is that they label themselves as Hellenic polytheistic, while
they are not. But this kind of dishonest self-labeling is characteristic of
Neopaganism. If someone doesnt practice the religion in the right way, the Greek
way, it should be apparent the he or she does not practice Hellenic Polytheism, but
something else.
We dont practice Hellenic Religion in my or in your way, but in the way of the
Greeks. Hellenism is a collectivistic culture. The Polis stands above the citizen, the
community stands above the individual. Greek Religion wasnt a matter of personal
likes and dislikes. It was an orthopraxic religion (orthopraxy means correct practice).
The Hellenes were eager to practice in the ways of our ancestors. Today we would
say: in the way the Hellenes practiced. And thats what Hellenismos is about:
Honoring the Greek Gods in the Greek Way. Orthopraxy lies in the heart of hellenic
piety.
Therefore, We say NO to the exploiters of Hellenic Tradition and follow the example
of the Lakotas by protecting our selves, our tradition and Identity from harm and
distortion caused by disrespectful groups, which cant take No for an answer (see:
Declaration of War against Exploiters of Lakota Spirituality). Native Traditions, stand
up and protect your heritage!
1. The term Pagan, which in the original Latin is derived from Paganus (peasant), is
yet another insult used by the victorious Christians since the 4th Century, to belittle
what remained of the Native Religions. They used this to label all those remaining
loyal to their Ethnic Traditions, to imply that they were uneducated and uncouth
villagers. The term was used for centuries in most European languages to refer to the
Ethnikoi. In the 20th Century, it was reintroduced with the suffix neo (viz.
Neopaganism), by various Christian-inspired devotees of Esotericism and the New
Age. Neopaganism doesnt concern us. It may even be a manufactured ploy to
detract from the current world rule of the so-called Monotheists. (Supreme Council
of the ethnic Hellenes, FAQ 24).
2. The polish reporter Wojciech Jan Rudny interviews a constitutional member of the
Supreme Council of the ethnic Hellenes (YSEE) on behalf of the polish GNIAZDO
magazine
Wojciech Jan Rudny: Ive heard about many American Hellenists (people that they
believe in the Greek Gods). What do you think about them?
YSEE: Some of these people that you mention are not true Hellenists but rather
members of the so-called Wicca or other neo-pagan groups who are simply
disguised as Hellenists for reasons that exist hidden within the depths of their own
minds. Obviously we are not interested in having any relationship with these people.
Our Tradition, Religion and Values should not be exploited in any manner, in much
the same way that no other ethnic Tradition, Religion and Values should be
exploited.
3. Neopaganism (Neo-Hellenic Polytheism, Hellenic Wicca etc.), Occultism and,
the New-Age-Movement simply dont concern the Hellenes, their Religion and
Culture.
Stilian Ariston: Hellenismos: The religion and worldview of the hellenes and hellenic
polytheists.

Update, 10/7/2013:
The mistake has been corrected. The Society finally deleted the contentious
Message. We thank the Society for protecting Hellenismos and saying no to
neopagan intolerance.