Book review:

The Mountain of Silence: a search for orthodox spirituality

By Kyriacos Markides
Double Day 2001

“We lost the knowledge of God when we transformed the Ecclesia from experience into theology, from
living reality into moralistic principles.” Fr. Maximos

1. Few books on Christian spiritual life touch the reader as does the Mountain of Silence.
2. Some may already know the author, Dr. Markides, for his popular work on Dalaskos, the so-
called Magus of Strovolos, a clairvoyant healer and teacher who lived in Crete.
3. Markides himself of Greek descent and a professor of sociology now turns his journalistic
skills toward a similar Greek spiritual leader, Fr. Maximos, an orthodox priest with incredible
knowledge and experience with some of the great Christian spiritual adepts living on the
Athos peninsula.
4. Over the course of several months Dr. Markides travels with Fr. Maximos asking him
questions about Greek spirituality and recording and provoking fascinating discussions with
this Church leader.
5. Although Dr. Markides often plays the devil’s advocate, he is able to get Fr. Maximos to
disclose not only the world view of the monks of Mount Athos but also their secret spiritual
practices and heights of spiritual attainment called Theosis.

1. The book starts out with Dr. Markides going to Greece to learn about the deepest aspect of
hesychastic life.
2. He follows Fr. Maximos around Greece going on official meetings with him while at the
same time learning about amazing spiritual fathers from anecdotes.
3. The books takes you into the living experiences of orthodox priests, nuns, and Christian
community.
4. Often Markides tries to connect aspects of the orthodox world view and cosmology to current
trends in philosophy, physics, and other forms of eastern spirituality.
5. It is in these dialogues where Maximos goes deeper into the practical wisdom of the Church
and hesychast spirituality but also either agrees with the professor or tells him that orthodox
spirituality is complete thus not needing any new information from the sciences.

1. Markides explains that Orthodoxy has had a split between hesychasm and normal orthodox
practice.
2. The hesychasts live in silence and pray the Jesus prayer all day long.
3. They stay in isolated monasteries where no visitors are allowed except orthodox males for
retreat purposes.
4. The monks are free to pursue their own spiritual development either with hieromonks or at
the monasteries where they go to mass and other services when they are not working.
5. The monks of Athos do not share the exact same beliefs as do modern orthodox clergy.
6. Their secret spiritual path is led by elder monks whose practices theoretically date back to the
time when Mary, Jesus’ mother, herself stopped at the feet of Mount Athos on her way to
Greece.
7. Thus the patron saint of Mount Athos monks is Mother Mary herself which is ironic for a
peninsula where only men live and women are forbidden.

1. The book is again full of revelations and long conversation about the nature of the esoteric
cosmology of hesychasm.
2. Markides serves as a great translator of how the relationship between heaven and earth
functions including the spiritual strife and warfare each monk wages in the attainment of
spiritual enlightment, or better said Theosis.
3. Theosis is a concept not often spoken of in Western Christianity because it is central of Greek
spirituality and is the final goal of their spiritual striving.
4. Theosis in English would mean immersion in God in which the person experiences catharsis
(purification) and theoria (vision of God).
5. Father Maximos is always making clear to the dear professor that Orthodoxy is not a
theology but a living spirituality based in scores of centuries of spiritual experience.

1. I highly recommend the Mountain of Silence to all who are seeking to hear something
positive about traditional Christianity.
2. Markides delivers a lively storyline which is nearly the equal to his thought-provoking page
turner, The Magus of Stovolos.
3. The book has few shortcomings and Markides is master teacher who makes Orthodox
spirituality seem like a viable spiritual practice with a cosmology and living understanding of
how heaven and the spiritual beings commune with the faithful.

Book Review: The Neverending Story: Exploring the Depths of Fantastica By Michael
Ende Fantasy Press 1979

"Fantastica is not merely a realm of imagination; it's a living, breathing entity, woven
into the fabric of existence itself." - Bastian Balthazar Bux

1. Rarely does a fantasy novel captivate the reader's soul as profoundly as "The
Neverending Quest."
2. Some readers may already be familiar with Michael Ende, the esteemed author
behind the beloved tale of Bastian Balthazar Bux and his journey through the
magical world of Fantastica.
3. Ende, himself a master of storytelling, now delves into the intricate layers of his
creation, guiding readers through a labyrinth of wonder alongside his
protagonist, Bastian.
4. Across the pages of this enchanting narrative, Ende intertwines philosophical
musings with fantastical encounters, inviting readers to ponder the nature of
reality and the power of imagination.
5. As Bastian embarks on his odyssey, he not only discovers the wonders of
Fantastica but also uncovers the secrets of its inhabitants and the profound truths
hidden within its depths.
6. The story unfolds with Bastian's discovery of a mystical book that draws him into
the realm of Fantastica.
7. Guided by his newfound companions, including the luckdragon Falkor and the
valiant Atreyu, Bastian traverses the fantastical landscapes of Fantastica,
encountering mythical creatures and overcoming perilous challenges along the
way.
8. Through Ende's masterful prose, readers are transported into a world where
imagination knows no bounds, and every corner holds a new adventure.
9. Ende seamlessly weaves elements of mythology, folklore, and philosophy into the
narrative, creating a tapestry of rich symbolism and profound insights.
10. As Bastian delves deeper into the mysteries of Fantastica, he realizes that his
journey is not merely a quest for adventure but a search for self-discovery and
the essence of true courage.
11. Ende eloquently portrays the dichotomy between the mundane world and the
boundless realms of Fantastica, inviting readers to embrace the wonders of
imagination and the power of belief.
12. Through Bastian's trials and triumphs, Ende explores themes of identity,
redemption, and the eternal quest for meaning.
13. "The Neverending Quest" is more than just a fantasy novel; it is a testament to
the enduring spirit of storytelling and the transformative power of dreams.
14. Ende's masterful storytelling and profound insights make this book a must-read
for anyone seeking to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and
adventure.
15. I wholeheartedly recommend "The Neverending Quest" to all who are yearning
for a tale that transcends the boundaries of reality and immerses them in the
boundless realms of imagination.