The Mountain of Silence: A Search for Orthodox Spirituality

When I read this book, I was just an inquirer to Orthodoxy. Having come from a Lutheran background, I realized one day that I must leave not only Lutheranism but also Protestantism behind. But this presented a dilemma: Rome or the East?As one may guess, I went East. Now a whole new problem emerged: getting a grasp on Orthodox mysticism. Let me be clear and say that I had experienced nothing of the sort in the past, so it was difficult to understand. But I found in this book a solid and rather candid introduction to Orthodoxy spirituality, particularly that found in the Greek monasteries of Mount Athos.For instance, Kyriakos is speaking with Fr. Maximus (the latter is now Met. Athanasius of Limassol, for what it's worth) and is told that people must have an erotic love for God. This shocked me. Appropriately, Fr. mentions that such a statement may scandalize us in the West, but that is because we don't truly understand the word "erotic". When that word is used in the West, it is in some sexual context, such as erotica. But at its heart, the word rooted in the Greek term "eros" really means something more akin to desire. Sexuality need not be involved. This is just one small example of how reading this account can help one shake off Western notions of Christianity and spirituality in general and get a much better understanding of how the Faith is practiced in other parts of the world. Take it from me, I was once in that position.The book also explores stories that Fr. recounts of his time spent with Elder (now Saint) Paisios of Mount Athos, though these are not told without a little prying from Kyriakos. Paisios is himself an attractive figure (did that confuse you, me describing an old monk as an "attractive figure"?) about whom much has been said and written. This book also introduced me to the spiritual guide. I will never forget reading the story of how he prayed to God that the latter would break his heart in his quest for humility. One day Paisios arrives for Liturgy and is, for no good reason, berated by the priest in front of everyone. Paisios is shocked and, really, crushed by this encounter. But he recalls that he asked God for heartbreak and humility. They say the Lord works in mysterious ways. There is a happy ending: the priest apologizes and all is well again.I gave this book four out of five stars for the simple reason that it is not quite the most engrossing book. It is interesting, yes, but the candid style, while helpful in some ways, means that it can get a little boring at some parts, for lack of a better term. Still, I wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone, Christian or not, who is seeking the truth. One just might find that truth is embodied in a person, someone whom you may have heard quite a bit about.

I am Protestant but thoroughly enjoyed this orthodox book. I found the author's interaction with Father Maximos to be easy to read and very convicting for my own spiritual walk. I greatly recommend.

Only wish my mom had not left the planet before this book came out. I've given away copies like Bible tracks to yoga teachers and the like, New Age friends who think they've taken a look at Christianity. The author will grate on some churchy types, I think, as he is a college prof on the east coast. It's refreshing that more lay people are writing about the ancient church, not just monks or clergy or polished theologians.The author signs up to be a taxi driver for a local bishop, deciding that having gone to India and the like, he should perhaps be fair to himself and take another look at the guru folk of the faith of his youth, Eastern Orthodoxy. And where to go but to the Holy Mountain.I've since been introduced to Elder Porphyrios in all five of the books written about him, but heard of him first in Mountain of Silence. Stories about him and little things like God talking through lizards will make your New Age friends heads spin toward heaven. That's my guess.I've a couple copies on my shelf, ready to be given away. This is a must book for converts to Eastern Orthodoxy, those who want to explain why they've made the trip back to the ancient faith.I plan to go to the Holy Mountain next year...and I'll make a trip to the bones of "the saint of love", Elder Porphyrios. I will take this book along, too; one of my top twenty favorite titles I've read in recent years. The follow up book-Gifts from the Desert-is better, some say. I liked the fist one here. His popularizing the concept of Eros Maniakos is a great contribution to the mystical desire to find a way to love God that is not lukewarm. Yes, read this book.

A spiritual teacher I had once said that spirituality is not taught, but caught - by spending time in the presence of enlightened master teachers who have the gift of spirituality themselves. That seems to be Kyriakos Markides' main method or approach in this work. which is presented as an ongoing dialogue on matters of Christian spirituality by his enlightened teacher, Father Maximos. Although liberally sprinkled with tales of the miraculous and the fantastic, there is a lot of substance in this work concerning Orthodox Christian spiritual doctrine and practice. It may be a little rambling or meandering at times, but the topics covered do not fit neatly into a didactic or academic outline. The book opens with a real attention grabber, which demonstrates that miracles still occur amongst the elders on Mount Athos, and are not limited to some distant, mythical past. The reason I am giving this book four stars instead of five is that for some reason, maybe just my own predisposition to wander hither and thither in my reading and research, I repeatedly found myself putting the book down - and then picking it up again at a later date, after finishing another work. It may not be an absolutely riveting page turner, but there is still a lot in this book that will inspire and inform the reader, and give him or her ample food for thought and contemplation.

I may have grown up western in my Christian thinking, but a visit to Cyprus got me thinking about Eastern Christianity and after a discussion with a friend, I borrowed her copy of this book. I ended up buying it for myself because I wanted to return to it again and again. If Father Maximos could speak English I would love to just sit at his feet and listen to his words of wisdom. In this beautifully flowing book, Kyriacos has given the reader an amazing insight into this wisdom. Father Maximos has learned so much from the Holy Fathers and from Scripture and I feel honoured to have shared in this teaching. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking Christian Spirituality.

A real and vivid insight to the mystical side of Christianity that the West has lost. Great easy to read writing. A real spiritual treasure

This is a brilliant introduction to the spiritual renewal evident on Mount Athos and elsewhere in the Orthodox world, in this case in Cyprus. Its strength lies in the lively dialogue throughout between traditional Christian spiritual theology and practice and the questions raised by modern minds.

This book is an amazing read for anybody that is struggling with finding their way towards true Orthodoxy. I love the fact that it includes questions that many laypeople ask themselves and it gives you the feeling that you are not the only one wondering those things.Kyriacos really has put together a masterpiece and has helped me see some things in a much clearer light. :) I highly recommend.

In the quietness we hear God .We need times of silence to draw closer to him.