(no subject)

[kyrene]

Greek pagans in Greece honor the solstice on behalf of Apollo

Here, let me sneak in one of my usual rants in here... why the fuck are some people WHINING about this? "Waa, they're not doing it the way I want it to be done/believe it should be done/the way it was done in ancient times!" Hello, can we have a LITTLE bit of perspective here?? Our gods are still being worshipped IN GREECE IN THE MODERN DAY! Just a short time ago this was ILLEGAL. Right now, they still have an uphill battle with public opinion and the Greek Orthodox Church. I am sure that they can get fired from their jobs and lose their families for participating in said ritual. I'm sure that many of them being Greek themselves are more concerned with honoring the gods than doing it "right". Probably their way of "right" is just honoring the gods however way they can--and want to, for that matter.

And ya know what? That sounds pretty sane to me. I see nothing wrong in their rituals; they're not claiming Apollo is a space alien or asking him to bless crystals on their necklaces or anything so outlandish that it would neither make sense nor make them look vaguely sane.

Perspective, people. Let's just be happy about the positive press and that our fellow brethren in Greece are worshipping the gods instead of nitpicking on the little details. I know that we as a community have grown WAY too used to nitpicking; putting these sort of rituals on display is like writing essays and having a bunch of English majors read them. I think it's a habit we can stand to break.

I think I need to revive that community sanegreekrecons. Really.

Comments

[fallenkalina.livejournal.com]

I love that this happened. Makes me feel guilty that I haven't explored an actual solar calendar yet. But it fills me with the happy.

[shellsong.livejournal.com]

People are *complaining* about this? o.o

It warmed my heart to read about the gods being worshipped at an actual old temple by modern Hellenes. The ritual sounded lovely, and for once, an article didn't include lots of nasty quotes from the Greek Orthodox church. I don't understand why any Hellenic polytheist would be upset by this.

But then, I don't understand most of my fellow Hellenic polytheists.

[kallistos.livejournal.com]

I don't know why they're bent out of shape?
Maybe because they're not "Recons" or something.
One common complaint was that it should be to Helios, but Apollo was syncretized to Helios relatively early, and for most of Classical civilzation He was seen as a Sun God. For hundreds of years, where do do people think the association with the sun comes from? It comes from ancient texts.

Once again, looking at some purist early period, and ignoring the rest of the ancient experience with Apollo.

[romulus214.livejournal.com]

I don't understand why pple would get so bent out of shape-

Reading this article brought joy to my other wise sucky day!

I think it's great and wonderful!

I say keep doing it! Do what feels right !!!!!

[wordcandlemage.livejournal.com]

Why in the world would anyone whine about this? It's a wonderful thing! Perhaps it isn't like public worship rituals in ancient Greece, but all that means is that it isn't being done like the ancient Greeks did it. It doesn't mean it isn't a proper way to honor the Gods.

You'll notice I said "a" proper way, not "the" proper way. I have to believe that the Gods appreciate being honored and that They listen to our hearts and watch our souls rather than our words and ritual actions.

This is a wonderful thing. As a worshiper of the Greek Gods who lives in the United States, I should be more aware that not everyone has the luxury of worshiping as freely as I do. I don't have to worry about losing my job if someone finds out that I'm a Pagan. (My boss knows I'm a Pagan and while he thinks it's a bit odd, he's not going to complain about the religion of the most competent and most reliable employee he has.)

[ravendreamer.livejournal.com]

I read about this yesterday and I thought it was great....really, people were whining about it? It may not have been what I would have done....but who cares....they are out there doing it! I hate the 'proper way' folks....like the gods think there is only one way.

[theophania.livejournal.com]

Oh my gods. You've got to be kidding! Some people are actually complaining? Please tell me that none of these are Greeks. What is wrong with them! This is a huge mile stone! How can they not see that? Αα, ξένοι! *sigh*