Mel Gibson on Mt Athos

[Barbara]

Catholic Traditionalist and actor Mel Gibson is visiting Mt Athos right now, apparently :

[Barbara]

Many people's eyes caught that Mel Gibson has a nicotine tin in his shirt pocket. I have seen construction workers using that ZYN energy-boost < I guess it is. Anyone know ?

People are speculating that Mel Gibson has converted to Orthodoxy, but i doubt that.

They are negatively observing his wearing of 'crocs' - ? Never heard of them. Perhaps refer to the footwear as someone mentioned foam sandals ?

[Barbara]

Fascinating story told in a comment to the above picture posted about Mel Gibson.
[The spelling leaves something to be desired, though !]

The writer has a Serbian last name, Stojkovic, and of course Hilandar is the Serbian Monastery on Mt Athos

"I was in Chilandar few years ago. The brethren starts a service at 4AM (which is not a 4am for them…all I can say their days do not flow like for the rest of us).

I was awoken by my paratrooper friends at around 3AM (I was part of the organized group of paratroopers making pilgramige to the Holy Mountain), to prepare for and attend the service. I felt unworthy, weak, and decided to remain in bed.

Couldn’t sleep and rose at the time the service already started. Walked to a small fountain at the entrance of Chilandar, where there’s a spot for us who stuggle with nicotine addiction. I sat there, smoking my cigarete, and dog approached the fountain, I guessed to drink some water.

There was no one else but me and that dog, all were on service, so I rejoiced and called it to get near, wanted to pet it. A moment later, the second dog joined it. Then a third, and fourth…few seconds passed and there was 5-6 dogs at the fountain, all looking at me.

It felt weird - no bark, no growl, no sound, just looking at me.

Then I heard someone walking from the church, and there was a tall monk there, in a hurry, walking towards me and the dogs.

He asked “what are you doing here brother?"

Bit ashamed for missing the service, with a weak smile, I said - talking to these dogs, father. He looked at me, not breaking his stride, and said - there are no dogs on Mount Athos.

I turned back to point at the fountain dogs and correct him…but there were no dogs there anymore.

Flabergasted, I turned back towards the passing monk…but he was no longer there either. I’ve put down the cigarette, rose, and went to the service as fast as I could.

I later spoke to my priest about this. He says there are no monks strolling the monastery during the service, the same way as there are no dogs there.

Chilandar is a strange place."