Mel Gibson’s visit to Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos, Greece, began on June 27, 2025. The Serbian Orthodox monastery, founded in 1198 by Stefan Nemanja and Saint Sava, welcomed Gibson on the eve of Vidovdan, a significant Serbian holiday marking the 1389 Battle of Kosovo.

Accompanied by two monks and a layperson, Gibson explored the historic site, expressing a profound spiritual connection, stating, “I have never felt such a strong connection with God anywhere like I did here.”

This visit underscores his deepening interest in Orthodox Christianity, potentially influenced by the monastery’s serene isolation, which studies (e.g., Kaplan, 1995) link to mental restoration. His stay, planned through June 28, coincides with Vidovdan celebrations, blending personal reflection with cultural reverence.

Gibson’s recent Joe Rogan podcast comments on Hollywood’s anti-Christian bias add context, suggesting this pilgrimage reflects a countercultural spiritual journey, resonating with online discussions about his possible conversion to Orthodoxy.