I am on my way back to the world after having spent three days in seclusion under the Greek Orthodox monks in Mt. Athos.
Upon leaving the port of Oranoupolis into Athos, I had little money left in my pocket with no way to get more and after a van ride to the first monastery, I had not a cent left to my name. At Megistis Laruas, I meet Hose, from Spain who asked me to visit him and he would give me a job. I also meet Jordan, living in Canada. It was with Jordan that I spent my time hiking around the peninsula from one skiti to another.
At Laruas the three of us were labeled as the Atheist, the Heretic and the Jew and we were bashed by, as Jordan called him, the raging monk. I was told by him to be talking heresy because I was of Diablo and was not welcome in the church of the monastery. There was another friendlier monk that showed us around and told us stories. For him I kissed a cast iron cross that belonged to St. Anathos, which I quickly asked forgiveness.
My act gave him such pleasure that he was as giddy as a child.
From there we headed into the mountain wilderness and arrived at another skiti where we received shelter and food and the next day the same. Even the monks in this place seem to be individuals, some believing that unless you are orthodox you are not saved, to one monk telling Jordan to keep the Jewish traditions, which he can still accept the historical mythical Christ. Jordan and I talked much upon the matter as we hiked through the days; him realizing he did not know himself and me realizing the fragility of my flesh. I told him what Christ, GOD and living life was for me and that it was positive to put such thoughts into his mind in order for finding his own path but not to follow his personal desires but that of the will of the Father that is the giver of Christ. For three days Jordan and I shared the spirit of GOD.
My visit here reaffirms my conviction to abstain from such things that divides man unto himself as though you must be a member of a club to be accepted but it is wrong to be so, for all are accepted if you live in CHRIST.
I also had another dream vision of my good friend David and myself needing to find someone in Thailand, whose name begins with an S and relating to something having to do with cleaning (dust, garbage, picker upper). It also had to do with reading some book by Hawthorn and something to do with bisexuality. It seems vague now but will eventually come to light.
Now I return to the barrage of secularism and I pray to have strength to remain strong in Christ as I go around and witness to those I meet in the world. I travel to Istanbul.