About

Elaion is an organization with an emphasis on traditional ethics and values. The Hellenic revival in the West is growing, and worshippers need organizational support to establish worship groups, connect with other like-minded individuals, and gain greater fulfilment in their spiritual lives.

Originally, Elaion rituals were based on the Athenian ritual calendar. In 2016 the ritual calendar of Erkhia based on the work by Sterling Dow, “The Greater Demarkhia of Erchia” Bulletin de correspondance hellénique. Volume 89, livraison 1, 1965. pp. 180-213 was added. The intact calendar from the village of Erchia is very complete with considerable information regarding offerings and other aspects of ritual practice which compliments the Athenian calendar. We have incorporated much of this information into our rituals. HMEPA (Hellenic Month Established Per Athens) has since added many of the Erkhian rituals but has not always kept the original date.

Newcomers are welcome in Elaion, the organization is particularly sensitive to the requirements of people who are comfortable in their Hellenic spirituality, and who seek dialogue and engagement with others like themselves. Elaion is an organization that welcomes wisdom and experience.

The goals of our organization include:

1. To provide resources and information to those who are interested in our religion;
2. To assist members in establishing local worship groups (thiasoi);
3. To provide support and resources to members and their worship groups;
4. To promote our religion through articles, workshops and other forms of outreach.

Our bylaws are available here.

Administration
Elaion is a small organization. Rather than impose structure upon a small organization, we prefer that administration grows in response to the needs of the group, ensuring that we can be as dynamic and flexible as possible.

Leadership roles focus on the ritual calendar and group development. The rate of growth will determine when Elaion establishes a more formal group structure.

Leadership

• Elaion Core originated with the founding members, Elaion Core is the group that oversees the development and evolution of the organization. Members of the Core are shouldering the bulk of the work involved in establishing Elaion.
• The Membership Council: The Council is constituted by three Elaion Core who are managing the membership and administrative processes. They have been appointed by the consensus of Elaion Core.