A NOTE OF CAUTION: Kyriacos C. Markides has been influenced by some neo-Gnostic ideology which is incompatible with Orthodox Christian teaching and spirituality. Nevertheless, he, for the most part, presents a fairly accurate picture of Orthodox spirituality, which he attempts to relate to some modern concerns in their present state of affairs. Unfortunately, such issues in their modern context are often dismissed outright by Orthodox who avoid serious engagement with these matters while citing "tradition" as the justification for their non-dialogical knee-jerk reaction. This knee-jerk reaction is not the relevant approach of true theology which is to bring contemporary issues into dialogue with the Logos, the Standard of Orthodox Faith, Who is Jesus Christ, the Second Divine Person of the Most Holy Trinity, as He is revealed in the Torah, the Prophets, the Psalms, the Writings, and in the Church. ( )

There are three ways of knowing, according to Kyriacos Markides: scientific, logical, and mystical. He argues that western society has concentrated on both logical and scientific in the past, but in recent history has disallowed the value of logical knowledge in favor of scientific only. Markides introduces the reader to the concept that there is great value in mystical knowledge. He discusses several examples that show the worldly wisdom of monks who have removed themselves from the world and have dedicated their lives to mystical prayer. He introduces the reader to Greek Orthodox monasteries in the mountains of Cyprus.

Markides spent many sabbatical months living with the monks and relays his experiences of their spirituality and their impact on the surrounding countryside and communities.

There is also a brief history of the relationship between Roman Catholicism and Greek Orthodoxy. The rift between the two ancient centers of Christianity is tragic because in order to claim superiority, each had to repudiate the other as false. The blending of the two would have made a deeper and richer experience of Christianity possible for both, in the opinion of this reader.

Mountain of Silence is a wonderful look at mystical prayer and the monastic life as lived by Cypriot monks. ( )

I recommend this book to anyone wanting to know more about hesychasm, or Orthodox mysticism. The vocabulary section at the back is especially helpful, as are the constant real-life examples from Father Maximos, the book's focal personality. Markides' sidebar comments get on my nerves from time to time, such as his constant use of "Christianity today" or "modern Christianity" (when speaking about certain negative stereotypes, such as disregard for logic and a fire-and-brimstone version of hell) when the word really should be "Western Christianity." He also makes a few historical mistakes (like supporting the "millions of women" claim regarding the Inquisition's victims). But all of these are VERY MINOR and I only mention them because they're personal pet peeves. ( )

Absolutely fantastic book. If you're only going to read one book on Christian orthodox monasticism, this is the one you should go for. ( )

Markides takes the reader of 'The Mountain of Silence' through his own brief period at a monastery in Cyprus headed by Father Maximos, a monk who had spent time on Mount Athos with several living saints. The main thrust of the book the Makides retelling the discussions he had with Father Maximos regarding Orthodox spirituality. Their discussions range from life on Athos, prayer, angels, etc. The book serves as a wonderful view into the experiences of some of the monks on Mount Athos. I really enjoyed reading the stories Father maximos tells of the elder monk on Athos. Very enjoyable book! ( )