That must've been very interesting. Are they one of the forms of western monasticism which adhere to a vow of silence? Forgive me, but I can't remember which ones do and which don't. (And monasteries are generally fairly quiet anyway.)
The monastery follows the western tradition. They’re Cistercians. Yes, they have a vow of silence. Meals are taken in silence while a member reads a portion of Benedictine text. From that point until Vigils they remain quiet.
Compline follows and they retire to bed and gather for Vigils. When it ends the chapel is bathed in darkness and there’s an hour of stillness. Upon its conclusion Lauds commences and mass follows. They observe the major offices along with Terce, Sext and None.
I was raised Roman Catholic and spent significant time in the company of priests as a child due to my family’s position within the parish and desire to know more about God. Oftentimes we had lengthy discussions in the kitchen or a different room at the rectory. I was permitted access and shared meals with them too.
My involvement with the monastery was not a return to Catholicism. It marked the fulfillment of my homecoming to God. Returning to my roots was an important part of the process. However, there were aspects of their practices that I didn’t embrace. Nor did I emulate them at home save the prayers at regular intervals whose influence derived from Jewish practices.
I believe everyone can benefit from a daily prayer rule, and this is the one of my particular Church and tradition.
I feel it’s important to be led by the Holy Spirit in my faith. There are practices I’ve been instructed to undertake for a season and others that are constants. My labors in prayer gave some the impression I would be well-suited for intercession was incorrect. Others assumed my hunger for study pointed to full-time ministry. They were wrong too. The Lord was strengthening my foundation to prepare for the work to come. It is a far cry from what they assumed.
Again, everyone can benefit from a daily prayer rule, even more so than these children could benefit from contentless meditation.
I wouldn’t make the assumption or seek to influence its guise. A prayer rule may be suitable for some. And others may require a different form of connection. I have no interest in following a routine save the one He gives.
So long as it is orthodox, who can fear anything? Either God is with us or He isn't, and I believe He is.
I have never used Orthodox sources and would simply pray in Hebrew instead. That is my root. I have never been told to do otherwise.