The BBC profiles some Hellenes — modern Greek Pagans — with minimal snark.
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[The summer solstice is] the most important annual festival for followers of The Return of the Hellenes – a movement trying to bring back the religion, values, philosophy and way of life of ancient Greece, more than 16 centuries after it was replaced by Christianity
These people consider Greece to be a country under Christian occupation.
(Not to mention nearly four hundred years of Muslim occupation as well.)
The followers are an odd mix. There are New Age types who revere ancient traditions, leftists who resent the power of the Orthodox Church, and Greek nationalists who see Christianity as having destroyed everything that was truly Greek.
As the modern-day ancients relax in their camp at the base of the mountain, a few sell philosophy books, CDs, food and jewellery. Some wear modern clothes, others togas [sic], and a few sport a wreath.
No, Matthew Brunwasser, every ancient garment is not a “toga.”
How many years ago did we see a documentary on this at the day-long Pagan session before the AAR?
Were you thinking of the documentary I Still Worship Zeus?
It came out about the time of the Athens Olympics. I cannot remember it being shown at AAR, but I bought a copy of the DVD myself.
My only argument with the YSEE is their atheism…