Hymns, salutations, statues, and ceremonies reminiscent of ancient Greece are hallmarks of the Hellenic polytheist community known as the Twelve Olympians — or Dodekatheists. Some adherents say they were born with a deep, innate connection to the pantheon: ‘Since childhood, the Twelve Gods have been in my DNA.’ The Live News camera visited the Athens-based religious community Attis, where members gather to honor the twelve Olympian deities.
A Path to Devotion
Others discovered their devotion later in life. One member shared: ‘I came to Attis through one of their ritual performances. I realized this was something I’d been searching for a long time — and I felt the need to become a priestess.’
Rituals with Meaning
In an exclusive ceremony filmed for Live News, the self-identified hierophant opens with a sacred hymn. Then, priestesses wash their hands in a purification rite. Nothing is arbitrary: statues, chants, and even clothing choices carry symbolic meaning rooted in ancient tradition and modern reinterpretation.
Athanasia, the youngest member interviewed, revealed that when she becomes a mother, she hopes to initiate her children into the Dodekatheist path.
Travel, Attire, and Practical Realities
The community organizes pilgrimages across Greece and abroad. Each month, members wear different ceremonial robes. Their rituals rely on numerous objects — incense burners, libation vessels, and hand-carved statues — raising a natural question: how do they fund these practices?
‘We contribute our own money and accept donations,’ they explain. In their space, a display case holds statues for sale — clearly marked with prices ranging from €50 to €70. These are not decorative items but ritual tools intended for personal worship. Whether such sales fall under standard tax regulations remains an open question.