In 2008, a group of people, sharing common ideas and a vision for a Revived Hellenism, predicated on the foundations of the true ethnic (indigenous) Hellenic World-View, created the Hellenic Council YSEE of America, a not-for-profit organization in the State of New York. Cognizant of the existence of the Supreme Council of Ethnic Hellenes (YSEE) organization, in Greece, and keenly aware of its continuous efforts, since 1997, to actively promote our Hellenic ancestral traditions, beliefs and rituals to the Greek people, we unanimously decided to join and become an organic part of YSEE. Our decision was based on our recognition of YSEE’s standing as the preeminent and leading organization in Greece, at the forefront of the Re-Hellenization movement. Since 2008, we have organized many public lectures, on Hellenic History, Philosophy and Culture, by distinguished visiting scholars and professors as well as presentations by those of our members who have, actively, engaged in the systematic research and study of various topics and subjects concerning Hellenism. In addition, we have publicly confronted the constant monologue of the Christian orthodox establishment, by issuing and publishing rebuttals in the Greek-American press. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and received the tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status, allowing our members and friends to make untaxed financial contributions to our organization. In 2014, members of our community became City Officiants in the State of New York, authorized to perform legal weddings for people who wish to be married according to the Ancient Hellenic Rite. In the same year, we reached a milestone with the purchase and dedication of our very own community center, aptly named Hellenion. It is located in the heart of the largest Greek community in the United States, in Astoria, New York. Its location allows us the opportunity to open our center’s doors to more people and to organize more events promoting our cause. In the few years of our existence, we have managed to bring together and mobilize a very dynamic group of Hellenes, a community of activists with strong conviction and dedication to the core values and the lofty ideals of Hellenism. Even though we are far away from our native land, we are committed to the revival and rebirth of our authentic Hellenic tradition and culture and the enduring values and ideals of our ancestors.
