Is there anyone who still follows ancient Greek religion?

Yes, there are people today who follow the ancient Greek religion, often referred to as Hellenism or Hellenic polytheism. Hellenism seeks to revive and practice the religious traditions, rituals, and worship of the ancient Greek gods and goddesses. This modern movement is a form of neopaganism and has been gaining followers in Greece and around the world since the late 20th century.

Practitioners of Hellenism aim to reconstruct the ancient Greek religious practices as accurately as possible, based on historical texts, archaeological findings, and ancient art. They celebrate traditional festivals, perform rituals, and offer prayers and sacrifices to the Olympian gods and other deities and spirits revered in ancient Greece.

In Greece, Hellenism has achieved some level of formal recognition. In 2017, the Supreme Council of Ethnic Hellenes (YSEE), an organization that promotes the revival of the ancient Greek religion, received official recognition from the Greek government as a known religion. This milestone was significant for its practitioners, affirming their right to worship and practice their religion openly.

The revival of ancient Greek religion is part of a broader interest in neopaganism, which seeks to resurrect and adapt pre-Christian religions for the modern era. Followers often emphasize a deep connection to nature, the importance of ritual, and a polytheistic worldview as central elements of their faith.

Polytheism, the belief in or worship of multiple gods, is a characteristic of several religions around the world, both ancient and contemporary. Some of the prominent religions that embrace polytheism include:

1. Hinduism: One of the oldest and the third-largest religion in the world, Hinduism presents a complex pantheon of gods and goddesses, each with distinct attributes, duties, and stories. Major deities include Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer, among many others.
2. Ancient Greek Religion: The ancient Greeks worshipped a pantheon of gods and goddesses who resided on Mount Olympus, each embodying different aspects of life and nature. Well-known deities include Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Athena, and Apollo.
3. Ancient Roman Religion: Similar to Greek religion but with distinct names and attributes, the Romans worshipped a multitude of gods and goddesses, such as Jupiter, Juno, Neptune, Mars, and Venus.
4. Norse Religion: Before the spread of Christianity in Scandinavia, the Norse people worshipped a pantheon of gods and goddesses associated with various aspects of life and the cosmos, including Odin, Thor, Freya, and Loki.
5. Shinto: Japan’s indigenous faith, Shinto, involves the worship of kami, spirits associated with natural phenomena, objects, and ancestors. It does not have a single founder or scripture but is characterized by various rituals and festivals honoring these spirits.
6. Celtic Polytheism: The ancient Celts in Europe worshipped a variety of gods and goddesses, often associated with natural elements and aspects of daily life. This religion largely gave way to Christianity but has influenced folk customs and beliefs in parts of Europe.
7. Egyptian Religion: Ancient Egyptians worshipped a multitude of gods and goddesses, each with roles in maintaining the balance of the universe. Key figures include Ra, Isis, Osiris, and Anubis.
8. Cananite Religion: The Canaanites, who lived in what is now Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria, worshipped a pantheon of gods, including El, Baal, Asherah, and Astarte.
9. Mesopotamian Religion: The peoples of ancient Mesopotamia, such as the Sumerians, Akkadians, Assyrians, and Babylonians, worshipped many gods associated with natural elements and urban life, including Anu, Enlil, Ishtar, and Marduk.
10. African Traditional Religions: Many indigenous religions in Africa are polytheistic, venerating a supreme god along with a host of lesser deities and spirits associated with natural features, ancestors, and societal values.
11. Modern Paganism/Wicca: Contemporary pagan and Wiccan traditions often embrace polytheism, drawing on ancient Celtic, Norse, Greek, Roman, and other polytheistic religions for inspiration.

These religions vary greatly in their beliefs, practices, and the roles their deities play in the lives of their followers. Polytheism highlights the diversity of the divine as perceived by different cultures and societies throughout history.