Interview with Tony Crisos

Tony Crisos (Antonios Chrysovergis) is a musician, philosopher, lecturer, and esoteric arts practitioner. He studied Music Performance at Berklee College of Music (BA) with a special focus on Jazz and received his Masters in Music Education at Boston University. He has also studied ancient Greek Philosophy and now teaches and performs on both the guitar and the ancient Greek Lyre. While running a private home studio, he lectures throughout the country. He has also published several articles on music and philosophy. He is the founder of the Eleusinion Esoteric Order in the US and currently serves as Orpheotelestis (Orphic Ritualist) at Orphikoi USA.

What values have shaped your development, as someone who has been in direct contact with the ancient Greek tradition from a young age?

One of the most significant influences on my personal growth has been my connection to my ancestral memory. Ancient Greece played a crucial role in shaping civilization, and by learning about my culture and traditions, I gained a deeper understanding of my place in the world. This connection allowed me to see more clearly the legacy I inherited and the responsibility that comes with it.

“It is essential to understand from a young age that we are not isolated beings on a linear timeline. Instead, we are connected to those who came before us and to all those who surround us.”

I would like to share some thoughts on the value of meaningfully connecting with my direct and ancient ancestors and the idea of continuity. It is essential to understand from a young age that we are not isolated beings on a linear timeline. Instead, we are connected to those who came before us and to all those who surround us. We are part of a larger, more spherical construct known as civilization, which has continuity. This understanding helped me to respect my ancestors and their labors, and to recognize and accept my responsibility to honor their memory. This notion of continuity, and the resulting sense of duty, profoundly influenced my personal evolution and enabled me to contribute more meaningfully to society. It provided me with direction and a better understanding of myself and my purpose in life.

How does this sense of continuity with your ancestors influences your life?

Having a sense of continuity with your past enhances your understanding of your current situation, creating the conditions for a better future. As the Greek Delphic Maxim states, “Know Thyself.” Understanding yourself and your limits allows you to provide a better future for yourself and those around you due to the grounding it provides, without limiting our ability to innovate. This approach is based on the idea that if you have as much knowledge as possible about the various causes of your current state, you can make corrections and improvements, and also plan for a better future using the distilled wisdom that is the product of these processes.

On another level, striving to know yourself better promotes prudence and modesty. The process of recognizing and honoring your own limits is challenging, but it has immeasurable benefits. Furthermore, accessing ancestral memory has helped me improve various areas of my life, such as attaining better language skills, achieving a more advanced approach to critical thinking and creativity, and gaining a better understanding of history, to name just a few of these benefits. Everything is connected in surprising ways sometimes.

What inspired you to become a musician, a philosopher, and a priest in the Hellenic tradition? 

What inspired me the most was the view of a clear, starry night, which I experienced in all its splendor for the first time in Greece. Although this event took place when I was very young, I remember it clearly, and it was a defining moment for me. When I came face-to-face with the enormity of the universe, I became contemplative in ways that transformed me from the inside. This experience inspired my evolutionary journey and all my subsequent achievements. Contemplating the first principles that initiated creation and the enormous beauty of a starry night remain the main driving forces behind most of my creative endeavors.

Other important influences in my life have been intellectually powerful individuals from both the past and present. One such person is my grandfather, alongside Achilles from Homer’s Iliad and the philosopher Plato. Over the years, my attempts to emulate them have inspired me, not only through their achievements, but also through how they conducted themselves in the presence of others.

Later in life, my curiosity and admiration for the cosmos led me to seek answers through philosophical inquiry, critical thinking, ethical epistemology, and the veneration of the Greek Gods. This journey eventually led me to study and contemplate the ideas of great minds such as Orpheus, Homer, Pythagoras, and Plato. My studies of their works and my desire to emulate them in real life drew me deeper into the Greek tradition, particularly the Orphic Mystery tradition. For those unfamiliar, the Orphic Mystery tradition was revived by Spyridon Nagos, a great philosopher and esoteric from Greece, in the late 1800s to early 1900s, and his initiatic lineage still exists today. My contact with these materials and my initiation into the Orphic tradition was life-changing and held a long-lasting influence on me.

“Ultimately, my goal has always been to achieve the highest possible level of inner harmony with nature, the Gods, and those around me. In my private life, everything revolves around the concept of harmony.”

My quest for answers to life’s big questions sparked my interest in philosophy, religion, the ancient Greek Mysteries, as well as the arts and sciences, to better understand myself, my role, and my place in the Cosmos. My admiration and respect for other cultures, as well as my upbringing, also played a part in this journey. Ultimately, my goal has always been to achieve the highest possible level of inner harmony with nature, the Gods, and those around me. In my private life, everything revolves around the concept of harmony. It is important to note that in the Greek tradition, Harmonia, “harmony,” is not just the art and process of organizing sound but an ancient Goddess presiding over the law of harmony throughout the Cosmos. According to some ancient authors, She was the daughter of God Zeus and Titaness Elektra and the grandmother of God Dionysos. According to others, She was the daughter of God Ares and Goddess Aphrodite. Regardless of her mythological origins, in my mind, She has always symbolized the divine origin of harmony, and that idea has left a strong impression on my soul.

Can you provide us with a brief overview of your journey to the United States of America? Specifically, where did you begin and what brought you here?

I prefer not to view my journey as a series of milestones, but I will attempt to provide relevant information. Initially, I spoke with my parents and was influenced by my grandfather, a renowned historian in Greece. He encouraged me to pursue my desire to become a musician, believing it was important to follow one’s chosen profession rather than forcing oneself into an uninteresting path. My grandfather’s support was a crucial first step, benefiting me and contributing to our family’s unity. Discovering my true passion, pursuing it, and receiving my family’s support became the foundation of what I aimed to build for myself. At least, that is how I recollect the events from that time.

Another vital component that aided my development and desire to explore other places was my family’s unwavering love for traveling. My father took us on road trips throughout Europe and showed us incredible parts of the world, such as Egypt. These experiences broadened my horizons and increased my understanding of diverse cultures and people worldwide. It is worth mentioning that my family took me to as many ancient Greek sites as possible from a very young age to experience the nature and energy of these places firsthand. This kindled my love for history and ancient religions. I still recall our trips to ancient places of worship, such as the Temple of Apollo at Delphi and the ancient city of Dion. My mother later informed me that she had taken me to Delphi for the first time when I was only one year old, and it had an impact on me even then. Although I do not fully remember that day, I recall that the nature, the strength of the sun, and the grandeur of the temple significantly influenced my soul, contributing to my later journey as a religious being.

The Temple of Apollo in Delphi

Later, at the age of 16-17, I attempted to enter one of the Greek universities but was unsuccessful. Instead of losing valuable time, I went to England to become a musician. My family, with my grandfather’s approval, supported my decision. Near the end of my studies, I had the chance to audition for Berklee College of Music, and I seized the opportunity. This is how I relocated to the United States.

How do you define virtue?

As the pursuit of excellence in every aspect of oneself, striving for continuous improvement and growth in body, and soul.

Is that what is known in Greek as “Arete”?

Yes, although it is important to note that the word “Arete” in Greek is etymologically related to the name of the god Ares. It can be understood as the imitation of Ares and his art of war. In extension, it is related to the attribute of courage. For a Greek who follows the Homeric understanding of virtue, courage means the ability to act in a just and honorable manner when facing challenges. The concept of courage can be debated, but for a philosopher, at least in the Socratic sense, it represents strength and the ability to rise to the occasion among other significant values.

“Courage means the ability to act in a just and honorable manner when facing challenges”.

According to Plato, it is a value of a higher or godly nature.

Courage is one of the four cardinal virtues in Plato’s philosophy, alongside prudence, wisdom, and justice. In Greek culture, the most important aspect of courage is fulfilling one’s duty towards both man and God. This means that, regardless of personal beliefs, it is a person’s responsibility to honor the Gods. The traditional Greek understanding of courage involves fearlessly fulfilling one’s duties and doing what needs to be done without hesitation. The idea of the god Ares, along with his sons Deimos (“Fear”) and Phobos (“Terror” and “Panic”), embodies the need to overcome these emotions and act decisively and with courage. It is important to note that all these processes take place internally.

So going back to your path to that journey, you started as a philosopher – musician?

My journey as a musician and a deeply esoteric person began around the same time, with little difference between the two. I was always attracted to the tone and sound of instruments, especially the guitar, which left a strong impression on me from a young age. Later, the ancient Greek lyre and kithara also captivated me. This passion started when I was around five years old. My formal musical education began at the age of 12.

“Powerful imagery, the beauty of nature, and the power of sound have shaped me into who I am today and, more specifically, the aesthetic values I have adopted.”

A few years later, my family took a trip to Egypt, where I had a profoundly transformative experience, first influenced by the land itself and then by its deep and vast history. It is safe to say that powerful imagery, the beauty of nature, and the power of sound have shaped me into who I am today and, more specifically, the aesthetic values I have adopted.

Music appears to be the common thread that brought you to the United States. Let’s now discuss your immersion into philosophy and the Greek Mysteries and how it happened.

Well, Orpheus was a musician as well as a founder of Mysteries, and I follow Him, so naturally, music and philosophy are closely related in the Orphic tradition and, more generally, in Greek culture. As far back as I can remember, I was always searching for better ways to express myself, but I found that contemporary religions, mainstream music, and other available systems and traditions did not provide what I needed. I sought both a scientific and a serious philosophical approach to better myself. Monotheistic religions and systems were too limiting for what I was pursuing, and their narratives did not fulfill me; instead, they pushed me towards contemporary forms of dogmatism, which I despise. Science is very important to me, but it mostly focuses on research and data and only recently began delving into philosophy. I was looking for an approach to life that offered a middle path, and I found that in the Orphic Mystery tradition. It focuses on the soul’s fate, the human condition, and on questions about our origins and the first principles that created and shaped the universe we inhabit. Rather than providing plain answers, it inspired me to ask better questions about life in general.

Plato/ Πλάτων (c. 427 – 348 BC)

Once I discovered Plato, who was both an athlete and a philosopher among his many skills, He became the person I emulated the most. Through His writings, I learned how to improve myself and found a middle ground between science, philosophy, and theology. From his ideas, I learned to be balanced and moderate by developing philosophical inquiry, maintaining a strong physical presence, and being cultivated. He also showed me the importance of music, philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, and geometry, and how they are meaningfully connected. This syncretic environment helped me understand the common ground between the arts and sciences, philosophy, and religion. I have continued to seek this common ground while avoiding dogmatism. Ultimately, my goal is self-discovery, self-improvement, and understanding the first principles of the cosmos and the Gods.

Was the environment you encountered in the United States a nurturing one for growth? Do you think you would have been able to do this somewhere else?

I am unable to provide a straightforward response to “what if” scenarios, as I do not enjoy contemplating them. If compelled to answer, I believe I would remain true to myself, striving to do my best with the resources available to me. By seeking the right questions and improving myself, I would find ways to remain authentic even if I were alone. This approach has been successful for me in every country I have visited, and I am confident it would work anywhere. I strive to progress and move forward, while avoiding harming others and refraining from becoming dogmatic or excessively zealous about any ideology. In the United States, I have discovered a welcoming and inclusive society, offering many opportunities to enhance my personal growth and cultural background. My experiences in New York and Boston have demonstrated that the arts and sciences thrive, with open-minded individuals and groups willing to embrace originality and diverse ideas. This has allowed me to develop both my Greek and American identities without conflict, and I am grateful for the generosity and kindness this country has shown me. I have been invited into philosophical circles where I engage in meaningful discussions and can deliver lectures on challenging topics such as the ancient Greek Mysteries, the Platonic tradition, and Western esotericism. This has enabled me to connect with like-minded individuals and broaden my perspectives, thereby making my life even more meaningful and enjoyable.

“I strive to progress and move forward, while avoiding harming others and refraining from becoming dogmatic or excessively zealous about any ideology.”

What is the significance of an esoteric initiatic path for a young individual?

There are numerous benefits to being initiated into a mystery tradition and studying the esoteric systems they offer. One significant advantage is the direction they provide for personal growth. These comprehensive systems offer proposals, suggestions, and paths for self-development. For example, they help create better questions about one’s identity and purpose, provide an understanding of cosmology, and encourage the study of ancient wisdom through texts such as the Orphic Mysteries, Ancient Alchemy, and the Hermetica.

Initiation is also considered, diachronically, a familiarization with the idea of death and the hope for immortality. Involvement with these systems introduces material at a gnostic level, emphasizing emotional context and ritual. Unlike ideologies, esoteric systems focus on symbols, the development of inner harmony, and the practice of virtues rather than dogmatic beliefs. They also offer a community of like-minded individuals, enriching one’s knowledge of the subject.

“Unlike ideologies, esoteric systems focus on symbols, the development of inner harmony, and the practice of virtues rather than dogmatic beliefs.”

Moreover, these systems delve into deep philosophical meanings without enforcing creeds of faith. Many are geared towards improving the ethical character of those who study them, emphasizing ethics and the overcoming of the fear of death. However, caution must be taken, as they can also lead to self-indulgence and an unhealthy sense of superiority.

Esoteric systems are also seen as a form of therapy for the soul and the community, providing a scientific and philosophical approach to nature, critical thinking, and the study of virtue through symbols, iconography, and ritual drama. It is important to be aware that before joining any ancient tradition, initiatic society, or religion, personal goals must align with those of the tradition of interest. Otherwise, it can be a waste of time and potentially dangerous for the soul.

With so many distractions available these days, many young people seem to be lacking motivation. It is challenging to guide someone out of this state. The crucial inquiry is how can one motivate oneself to make progress? What is the driving force behind it?

I do not necessarily believe that life is solely about progress; rather, it is about movement. Movement signifies the principle of life, and a lack of it means death—both physically and spiritually. Without movement and exercise, our bodies and minds can deteriorate quickly. Movement is essential for both life and progress. The goal is to inspire young people to constantly strive for movement in the right direction to achieve desired progress, rather than remaining fixed in one place.

How to achieve this is subjective and depends on the individual’s environment, family, upbringing, and other factors such as their unique idiosyncrasies and characteristics. I do not claim to have all the answers, but I have gained important insights on how to progress methodically and geometrically upwards. The notion of movement is key to the successful evolution of not only the individual but also larger social structures. To always strive to improve and be on the move, one must be inspired—whether by family, a teacher, or a personal hero. For me, these individuals were my grandfather, Plato, Orpheus and my wife Adrienne.

There are two main sources of drive and inspiration: personal drive and the environment. Personal drive is innate, present within each person at birth, and it is up to families and teachers to help cultivate and direct it towards a fulfilling path. The environment, including family, neighborhood, city, and country, also plays a crucial role in shaping one’s prospects.

The journey toward personal fulfillment begins at birth. There is no right time to start; each individual must fight against the friction of life and strive to thrive. Guidance from families and teachers is crucial in helping young people discover and cultivate their personal drive and life force. It is also important for individuals to share the lessons learned from their journey for the betterment of society, just as scientists share their research for the next generation to build upon while learning to avoid past failures.

Indeed, it is! Thank you very much!