The influence of pagan elements in the Metaxas regime, though not as pronounced as in some other European fascist movements, was subtly present, particularly in the regime’s use of symbolism, references to ancient Greece, and its efforts to connect modern Greece to the glory of its ancient past. While the Metaxas regime maintained strong ties with the Greek Orthodox Church, it also drew upon pagan themes from classical antiquity, particularly those linked to ancient Sparta and Athens. These themes were used to foster a sense of national pride, discipline, and continuity between the ancient and modern Greek state.

Here’s a closer look at how these pagan influences manifested during the Metaxas dictatorship:

Idealization of Ancient Sparta

One of the most notable pagan influences on Metaxas was his admiration for ancient Sparta, a city-state known for its militaristic and authoritarian society. The regime promoted Spartan ideals, such as discipline, sacrifice for the state, and military prowess. Metaxas sought to emulate this Spartan ethos to instill loyalty, obedience, and physical strength in the Greek people, particularly the youth. Sparta was frequently referenced in speeches, propaganda, and educational reforms. The National Youth Organization (EON) was designed to reflect these Spartan ideals, focusing on the physical and moral education of young Greeks. They were trained to be disciplined, strong, and ready to serve the state, much like Spartan warriors.

Use of Classical Symbols and References

Metaxas employed numerous symbols from ancient Greece to create a sense of cultural continuity and legitimacy for his regime. The emphasis on Greek classical heritage was a deliberate effort to link the regime to the Golden Age of Greece, when the country was at the height of its power and cultural influence. The Pelekys (the Greek double axe) was a key emblem of the regime, and the main symbol of the EON. The torch of light, also an ancient Greek theme, was also widely used in the regime’s propaganda. The regime often referenced ancient Greek heroes, gods, and historical figures in state-sponsored propaganda. These references evoked a glorious past, which Metaxas hoped to revive in a modern, authoritarian framework.

Glorification of Ancient Greek Paganism

While not overtly pagan in religious terms (since the regime maintained strong ties with the Orthodox Church), the Metaxas regime did draw on Greek mythology and its connection to the idea of national identity. Ancient gods, particularly figures like Zeus (symbolizing power) and Athena (symbolizing wisdom and warfare), were invoked in speeches and literature, not in a literal religious sense but as symbols of Greece’s indomitable spirit and cultural heritage. This was used to foster a sense of continuity between the ancient past and the modern state.

Neo-Pagan Influences in State Rituals and Ceremonies

The regime organized mass rallies and ceremonies that had a ritualistic quality, borrowing from the pagan festivals of ancient Greece. These public events often featured displays of military strength, choreographed parades, and speeches that invoked the glory of ancient Greece. Though outwardly secular or religious in an Orthodox Christian sense, these events subtly echoed the structure of ancient pagan festivals, where the community gathered to celebrate the power and achievements of the state. The EON gatherings were particularly infused with classical symbolism. Youths were encouraged to see themselves as the heirs of ancient Greek warriors, and the ceremonies had elements reminiscent of pagan rites, though framed within a nationalist and Christian context.

Conclusion

Despite these pagan influences, the Metaxas regime carefully balanced its reverence for ancient Greece with its close relationship with the Greek Orthodox Church. Unlike Nazi Germany, where some elements of the regime were openly hostile to Christianity, Metaxas maintained the Orthodox Church as a pillar of his dictatorship, seeing it as a core institution for maintaining social order and national identity. However, the regime’s emphasis on ancient Greece and its pagan symbolism sometimes created a subtle tension between Orthodox Christianity and the state’s promotion of pre-Christian Hellenic values. This tension was never fully resolved, as the regime continued to walk a fine line between glorifying Greece’s pagan past and upholding its Christian present.

 

In summary, while the Metaxas regime did not directly advocate for paganism as a religious system, it skillfully incorporated pagan influences from ancient Greece—such as the idealization of Sparta, classical symbolism, and mythological themes—to bolster its nationalist ideology. This blending of ancient pagan elements with modern nationalism helped create a powerful sense of historical continuity and national identity, although it was always moderated by the dominant role of the Greek Orthodox Church in Greek society.

 

– Andreas Markessinis