Greek Pagans honor Zeus
A group of 20 Neopagans held a ritual in honor of Zeus, the “King of the gods and the mover of things.” Its purpose was to promote world peace. The ceremony was held at a 1,800 year old temple in the middle of Athens. This is believed to be the first public pagan ceremony held in Greece since the Roman Empire established Christianity as the official religion, banned all Pagan rituals, seized control of Pagan temples, and exiled or executed Pagan officials. This ritual was illegal because the Culture Ministry bans them to protect the temple remains.
They are members of Ellinais, a group founded in 2006 that currently has 34 members. It won a court battle to attain recognition by the state. They are now asking the government to register its offices as a place of worship.
Before the abolition of monarchies, Zeus was protector of the king and his family. Once the age of Greek kings faded into democracy he became chief judge and peacemaker, but most importantly civic god. He brought peace in place of violence and Hesiod (circa 700 BCE) describes Zeus as “the lord of justice”.