In a historic revival of Hellenic worship, a newly built temple dedicated to the ancient Greek gods Zeus and Pan has been unveiled in Arcadia.
This marks the first such construction in nearly 1,700 years, reigniting Hellenic religious traditions in modern Greece.
The temple, located near the village of Kalliani in the Peloponnese region, serves as a functional place of worship. It stands as a testament to the perseverance of Hellenic spirituality, despite opposition from the Greek Orthodox Church and legal obstacles from state authorities.
A Vision of Revival
The temple is the brainchild of British doctor Dr. Manolis Heliotis, who funded the project on his 150-acre private property. The construction was overseen by archaeologist Evangelos Bexis, who ensured that the temple adhered to traditional Greek craftsmanship while being suitable for contemporary use.
“There are tens of thousands of people in Greece and abroad who believe in their ancestral gods and they do not have a place of worship. An injustice of centuries is being corrected,” Bexis said.
The structure is primarily made of marble sourced from Greek regions such as Thasos and Mount Pentelicus. As an Ionic temple, it features intricate friezes, gables, and pediments reminiscent of ancient Greek architecture. A statue of Pan, sculpted by artist Deborah Conte, sits as the temple’s focal point. When fully completed, the temple will also include double-leafed doors and an altar for offerings of milk, fruit, and honey.
The March 8 Unveiling Ceremony
On March 8, 2025, more than a thousand practitioners of Hellenism gathered for the temple’s inaugural ceremony. The event featured ancient Greek-inspired rituals, including a grand procession with participants in traditional white robes carrying ceremonial goat horns in honour of Pan.
The ceremony also included sacred dances, incense offerings, and prayers led by a priest in a blue chiton. Musicians played hand drums and flutes, creating an immersive atmosphere reminiscent of ancient celebrations. As the ceremony concluded, attendees sang hymns and invoked blessings upon the temple, marking a significant milestone for modern Hellenic worship.
Legal Battles and Opposition
Despite securing permits for the temple’s construction, Bexis has faced legal battles regarding its operation. The powerful Greek Orthodox Church has voiced strong opposition, denouncing the temple as a “regression to a dark world.”
Metropolitan Nikiforos of Gortynos, a prominent church official, condemned the temple, stating, “This specific action, which attempts to restore practices and perceptions of a religiosity of bygone eras, causes us sadness and concern.”
On February 24, Bexis was arrested on the order of a prosecutor, and construction was halted. The Department of Urban Development ruled that the temple could remain standing only if it remained inaccessible to worshippers.
Following his release, Bexis took to social media, defiantly stating, “We are at war in every way. They ordered us, in a state where we are supposed to have religious freedom, that on March 8th we should not celebrate in honour of our gods because we are illegal.”
A Landmark for Modern Paganism
The temple’s creation signals a broader resurgence of ancient polytheistic traditions in Greece and beyond. The revival of Hellenism has gained traction in recent decades as more individuals seek spiritual paths outside mainstream religions.
Although the temple’s future remains uncertain, its significance is undeniable. For many Hellenists, it represents not just a place of worship, but a symbol of cultural and spiritual endurance, standing firm against centuries of religious suppression.
As legal battles continue, supporters remain steadfast, committed to reclaiming their ancestral faith in a land where it once flourished.
