Mel Gibson visits Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos

Mel Gibson and the abbot of Hilandar, Archimandrite Methodius. Photo: UOJ on Athos

On June 27, 2025, American actor, director, and producer Mel Gibson, known for the film The Passion of the Christ, arrived on Mount Athos, according to the UOJ on Athos. He is staying at the Serbian monastery of Hilandar. According to Athonite sources, Gibson plans to spend several days on the Holy Mountain.

Available information suggests that Gibson is currently working on a new project dedicated to the Ascension of Christ, and is seeking spiritual inspiration and prayerful support on the Holy Mountain.

The Serbian monastery of Hilandar is one of the 20 ruling monasteries of Mount Athos and holds special significance for Serbian Orthodoxy. The monastery was founded in the 12th century by Saints Simeon and Sava of Serbia and has remained an important spiritual center for centuries.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the abbots and monks of 40 monasteries in Greece and on Athos had expressed their support for the UOC.

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