For the first time in nearly 1,700 years, a new Greek temple dedicated to the worship of ancient gods has been built in Arcadia, Greece. Reviving the Gods: Greece’s first ancient temple in 1,700 years is the temple, dedicated to Zeus and Pan, which serves as a modern place of worship for Hellenists, reviving ancient religious traditions. However, its construction has faced significant opposition from the Greek Orthodox Church and government authorities, sparking a legal and cultural battle.
A Historic Revival of Hellenic Worship
The temple, located in the lush mountains of Arcadia near the village of Kalliani, is the first of its kind in over a millennium. Inspired by British doctor Dr. Manolis Heliotis and overseen by archaeologist Evangelos Bexis, the Temple of Pan was meticulously constructed using traditional craftsmanship. Built from marble sourced from regions like Thasos and Mount Pentelicus, the temple features ionic-style architecture, including marble friezes, gables, and column capitals.
The temple includes a functional altar for offerings such as milk, fruit, and honey, as well as a central statue of Pan, created by sculptor Deborah Conte. While still under construction, the temple was unveiled on March 8, 2025, in a ceremony attended by over a thousand Hellenists.
The Unveiling Ceremony
The March 8 ceremony marked a historic moment for Hellenism, a polytheistic tradition reviving ancient Greek religious practices. The event featured rituals, processions, and performances, including a grand procession led by a man carrying a statue of Pan. Participants, dressed in white robes, carried ceremonial goat horns, while drummers and flutists provided a rhythmic backdrop.
At the altar, a priest performed ritual offerings, blessing the space with incense and sacred elements. Sacred dances and hymns concluded the ceremony, creating an emotional and powerful experience for attendees.
Legal Challenges and Opposition
Despite securing permits, the temple faces legal challenges. The Greek Orthodox Church, a dominant religious force in Greece, has strongly opposed the temple. Metropolitan Nikiforos of Gortynos condemned the project, calling it a “regression to a dark world.”
In February 2025, Bexis was arrested, and construction was halted. Authorities ruled that the temple could not function as a place of worship, only as a standing structure. Undeterred, Bexis vowed to continue, stating, “We are at war in every way… They will not stop us.”
A Symbol of Modern Paganism
The temple’s construction is more than an architectural feat—it represents the resilience of ancient faiths in the modern era. Hellenism, like other pagan traditions, has seen a resurgence as people seek spiritual paths outside mainstream religions.
While the temple’s future remains uncertain, its existence is a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient Greek spirituality and the growing movement to reclaim these traditions.
