Home Forum Members Newsletter Photos Symposia Rituals Temenoi Eranoi & Thiasoi Exegetai Mantikoi Agon Retreat The Gods Hellenismos Shop Links Join Contact

Who are the Neokoroi? The word neokoros is derived from the Greek words naos (temple) and koreo (to sweep) and originally meant "the one who swept the temple" or "the temple keeper". It was a humble position, but an important one, for it was the neokoros' responsibility to make sure that the temple was kept clean and free of any pollution, and also to tend to the daily service of the god in whose temple he or she served. Over time, the word neokoros came to mean "priest" and "devoted servant" and was highly honorific. Unlike most priesthoods in the Graeco-Roman world, which tended to be more civic, and could even be purchased or inherited, there was always an element of special devotion with neokoroi. In time, the word came to mean "believer" or "faithful." Today, Neokoroi is a group of Hellenic pagans who feel called to a path of service and devotion to the gods. We are polytheists who believe in the literal and individual reality of the gods. We support mysticism in its many forms (although we don't all practice it). We tend to favor reconstructionism as an approach to developing Hellenismos, although we also recognize the importance of personal experience and local cultus. And we are especially dedicated to fostering "real life" worship, through the formation of local groups, and of course through the building of shrines and eventually temples. To accomplish this goal, we plan to: · Provide a storehouse of information for curious seekers · Provide practical guidance in religious matters · Foster the growth of worship communities and public festivals · Help build and maintain shrines, temples, and other sacred places · And ensure that the worship of the gods will flourish and remain forever What Neokoroi is not about: · Eclecticism; combining ancient Greek religious practices with those from other cultures or magico-religious systems. There is nothing wrong with this approach, per se. It just isn't who we are. · Attacking other religions and philosophies, or proselytizing. Each of us has our own way of worshipping the gods; what matters is that we worship. · Philosophy without practice. While we have a great respect for discussion, debate, and the academic process, and believe these to be very important parts of our religion, in the end we feel it matters more what you've done than what you've said. NEOKOROI FLYER (pdf ) ~ WAYS TO GET INVOLVED  © 2009 - all original writing and artwork contained within this website is copyrighted and may not be used without the permission of the author(s).