Our approach

The Hiereus then and now

Any individual in a state of purity may perform rituals in Ancient Hellenic Religion; clergy has never been required for this. Hiereis were an extension of the community and dedicated representatives of it (to the Theoi, Gods), often facilitating festivals, rites of passage, and specialised rites of purification. Most importantly, they maintained and promoted the cult of their deity (including care of the sanctuary and cult images). In the ancient Hellenic world, an individual could become a sacred official by appointment, election, lot, inheritance, or even purchase. It did not require a specific training, personal calling, or spiritual gift, but was civic in nature – though certain attributes could set apart a good hiereus (generosity, piety, and so on). As we cannot (and do not wish to) replicate the societal structures of Archaic-Classical Greece, there is no straightforward process for becoming a modern Hellenic priest or priestess. 

Our Program offers an adapted yet authentic pathway for priesthood based on intensive study and communal appointment, rooted in the legacy of the hiereus/hiereia. The first set of modules,  Foundations of Hiereis Studies, comprises of advanced education in the system of Ancient Hellenic Religion, particularly ritual form and function, complemented by study of language, ethics, theology, and cosmological principles. In the second set of modules, Specialisation and Cultic Formation, candidates specialise in the traditions of 1-2 deities (we focus on mystery deities, or those associated with mystery cult), researching their origins, hymns, mythologies, festivals, epithets, sanctuaries, cultic regulations, and associated mysteries. Rather than attempting to reconstruct one particular cult from fragmented historical sources, candidates are encouraged to survey many cults of the deity to form a new and localised tradition.

Upon completion of the Program, candidates and their assignments will be put forward to the Mt Nysa community for consideration. Should their appointment be confirmed by two independent divinations, they will be consecrated as an Hiereus, Hiereia, or Hierophoros and recognised as a ritual specialist by Mt Nysa. See more on this process below. From there, Hiereis may form temples and/or lead communities as they feel called without oversight or regulation, beyond the local and federal laws of their land. In most places, they are eligible for ordained status and can legally officiate weddings and funeral services.

curriculum and tuition

Studying with mt nysa

what comes next?

Confirmation process

Upon successful completion of all ten modules, candidates forward their collected assignments in a Book of Ritual to the Hieropoioi (council overseeing sacred appointments). These Hiereis are experienced members of Mt Nysa who volunteer to review candidate assignments, perform inductive divinations to confirm divine approval of the appointment (2 required), and witness the oath and consecration ceremony of new Hiereis.

What if the divinations are not favorable?! I knew you’d ask! If a candidate has successfully completed the ten modules, we assume a certain level of maturity in their knowledge, practice, kharis with the Theoi and discernment in becoming a ritual specialist. This process is not intended to gatekeep consecration, but to provide communal feedback, recognition, and final confirmation. Two divinations are required as they can ensure neutrality and inform one another (e.g.: Divination #1 has an unfavorable or ambiguous outcome; Divination #2 offers context, such as advising the candidate to wait another month or perform a particular sacrifice).

Following consecration, candidates are recognised as Hiereis by Mt Nysa. They may go on to found their own temples, religious organisations, services or educational offerings as they feel called, though primary focus should be on the formation and maintenance of the deity’s cult in their local community.

prerequisite & application

admissions