Mel Gibson on Mount Athos for reflection and prayer

Surrounded by the serene landscape and the eternal spiritual tradition of the monastic state, Gibson appeared humble as he participated in the sacred atmosphere of one of the most revered places in Orthodoxy.

The image of this blessing highlights not only his respect for the ascetic lifestyle, but also the timeless relationship between faith and the human spirit.

The American actor was photographed with the monks wearing a white shirt with beige pants and his white crocs.

The actor at the Chilandari Monastery
The Australian actor has been at the Chilandari Monastery for a few days now. He is reportedly set to spend several days at the Serbian Imperial Monastery, an important spiritual center for the Serbian Orthodox Church, located on the Greek peninsula of Mount Athos.

Gibson, known for iconic roles in films such as Braveheart and Lethal Weapon, as well as for his directorial debut The Passion of the Christ in 2004, has been a prominent Hollywood figure for decades. His visit to Mount Athos underscores his deep connection to Christian spirituality.

In a recent interview on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Gibson spoke openly about the difficulties facing the Christian faith in the Hollywood industry. He revealed that during the production of the 2004 film The Passion of the Christ, he faced strong reactions, describing Christianity as the only religion that is "allowed to be treated with contempt" in Hollywood. As he pointed out, the film industry is dominated by “progressives and vehement liberals,” who, according to him, are often accepting of other religions but criticize Christianity for its supposed association with “white race, patriarchy, and colonialism.”

Despite the challenges, Gibson said he was proud to have created a film dedicated to the life of Jesus Christ, stressing that this was his main driving force. His visit to the Chilandari Monastery comes to confirm his dedication to his faith and its lasting influence on his personal life and artistic career.