For zeal to do all that is in one's power is, in truth, a proof of piety.- Julian
The Julian Society is a non-denominational religious order dedicated to the advancement of Pagan religion. Our membership shares many different traditions of Pagan worship while remaining united through the legacy and ideals championed by the Emperor Julian, the last Pagan Emperor of Rome. We continue the work which Julian began centuries ago; restoring Pagan religion so that it may regain its rightful place as a major world religious system.
In 360 A.D., the Emperor Julian became the last Pagan ruler of the Roman Empire. Known as "Julian the Apostate" because he had been raised a Christian but then later converted to Paganism, he worked to reestablish the worship of the ancient Goddesses and Gods and restore all forms of Pagan Religion.
Julian's religious goal was simple and direct, to restore the honor and status which the ancient Pagan faiths had held since the beginning of time. He sought to reinstate noble virtues and purposes within all Pagan religion, to make Pagan teachings available to all, and to continue the rites and public worship of all ancient Pagan deities. Julian's aim was to rebuild and strengthen the various Pagan paths to insure their future survival.
Julian first worked to preserve all forms of Pagan faith so that they could collectively compete with the Christian church. He also ordered an end to the persecution of non-Christians, and proclaimed that all religions should be tolerated on an equal basis.
Julian then began a unified plan to organize and reestablish Pagan religion itself. He rebuilt the ancient temples to the gods, reformed the pagan priesthoods, and saw to it that the ancient Pagan rites were publicly continued.
Julian reigned as Caesar of the Western Roman Empire from 355 AD to 360 AD, and then as Augustus from 360-363 AD. Sadly, Julian died in battle in 363 AD before his religious goals could be completed. He was destined to be the last and greatest champion of the ancient Pagan faiths. The emperors who came after were Christian, they made the Church supreme and banned all Pagan worship on penalty of death. Thus the ancient ways perished. Yet for over a thousand years Julian has remained a symbol of pure faith and just rule, and of the true worth of the ancient Pagan religions.
Today, the sacred work begun by Julian remains, and is a more practical and valid goal than ever. His historical example becomes a positive framework for modern action, and for the Julian Society.
As long as one person remembers, the ancient path survives.
As long as one person worships truly, the ancient Goddesses and Gods are with us.
As long as one person acts with noble spirit, even if they act alone, we are all blessed.
Be thou that one.