"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." ~ Perikles.
_____________________________________
A Word From The Priest
I am very excited to be starting 2020 as the year of the temple's greatest strength to date. I will be hoping for greater attendance at our public events, more support for our social programs, and the largest online presence at our weekly rites that we have ever had. I think all these things are possible. The temple has the ability to fully launch now. We are the first known Greek Polytheistic temple with a physical building ever in the history of Illinois. Let's do great things with it.
In the Goodness of the Gods,
Priest Christopher Aldridge.
Temple News
This month, Priest Christopher was contacted by a Hellenist who is an inmate in the New Hampshire Department of Corrections, asking for help on securing the religious rights of his group to be a separate entity from the general Pagan umbrella that is recognized by the prison system, that they may be allowed to have their individual holidays and sacrifices. The religious board required Priest Christopher to write them a full packet, detailing how Hellenism is a distinct religion and why it may be necessary for Hellenists to have their own private functions. The Priest, always being a defender of Hellenic religious freedom and a servant of Hellenic people, was happy to do so. However, the articles he submitted are still under review. The prison system has not yet made a ruling. It will be posted as soon as they do. Hopefully, it will be a victory for the 1st amendment and the independence of Hellenism.
The temple has reinstated its live weekly video rite for members and Hellenic worshipers abroad. Each Sunday starting at 1pm, the temple's Facebook page will open its live video feed and everyone watching can follow along. Please check the temple's Facebook page and events section for specific details.
The temple's physical location room has grown by leaps and bounds since its inception, and has really made strides this January, with more artwork and ways for people to worship than ever before. This is in large thanks to the Priest who is always looking for ways to improve its function and service to the Hellenic people. Those who enter will immediately enjoy the many beautiful expressions of the Gods, Heroes and Heavenly realms, and will have at their disposal incense, oils, and libations for the sacrificial altar. The temple can now be considered "fully functioning" in its new location.
Finally, the temple is looking to add people to its Boule, or Board, so that it may have enough Board members to reincorporate itself back into the State of Illinois. This had already taken place once before back in 2013, but Illinois requires an annual renewal fee, and at that time, the temple didn't see the need to really continue to incorporation due to the fact that we didn't have a physical location, and there was a lack of funds and the needed Board members. However, there is now no reason why the temple should not be reestablished with the state in legal documentation, so we are hereby announcing that anyone who lives in Illinois, is a Hellenist, and would like to apply for a Boule seat, please contact the Priest at:
chriswaynealdridge@gmail.com
Upcoming Temple Events
Spring Festival of Artemis, May 13th, 2020, 2pm, at the temple's public sanctuary.
Temple's 10th Birthday Celebration, July 8th, 2020, all day long, at the temple's location.
Aphrodisia, July 8th, 2020, 1pm, at the temple's public sanctuary.
Please keep in mind that the temple does not publicly post the address to either its indoor or outdoor locations. You must contact the Priest and attend a short interview if you want to be allowed to attend public events or enter the temple's sacred areas.
Temple Finances
The temple begins 2020 with $0 in debt, and a net worth of $1,000. All events and temple supplies have been fully funded for the year.
Office Of The Clergy
Priest Christopher Aldridge - chriswaynealdridge@gmail.com
Priestess Anastasia Aldridge - aialdridge@hotmail.com
Thyechoos Matthew Finney - mefin575@gmail.com
