Book and Rose Day at Valamo Monastery Sat 25.4.2026

The Day of the Book and the Rose at Valamo Monastery on Saturday 25.4.2026

Guest writer and theater director Riko Saatsi

Photo: Liisa Valonen

Valamo Monastery welcomes writer and theater director Riko Saatsi, whose work Yönistujat was one of last year's most significant domestic novels. The work was nominated for the Finlandia Prize for Fiction and was also chosen as Finlandia – Readers' Favorite 2025.

Riko Saatsi has managed to touch both literary experts and a wide audience in a rare way. He is a writer, interpreter of stories, theater maker, and cultural bridge-builder, who draws living Karelian borderland heritage into his works. Saatsi was also awarded the Cultural Act of the Year 2025 prize and the Karelia Literary Prize in January.

The day is opened by the monastery's abbot, Archimandrite Mikael. During the day, guests will also explore the treasures of Valamo's Orthodox special library. 

Program: 

12:00 Moleben, opportunity to participate in a prayer service in the monastery's main church 

12:30 Welcome words and monastery news – the monastery's abbot Archimandrite Mikael 

13:00 Guest writer and theater director Riko Saatsi 

15:00 Valamo Tea Table, Restaurant Trapesa's red hall   

An atmospheric moment with Valamo delicacies  

The tea table includes: tea and raspberry jam, pickled cucumbers with sour cream and honey, salmon pie, cabbage pie, pound cake, biscuits, sweets, and fruits. 

17:00 Guided tour of Valamo's Orthodox special library and its treasures – Librarian Virva Suvitie 

18:00 Opportunity to participate in the vigil service in the monastery's main church 

The event is held at Valamo Cultural Center  

Day program: 25 €/person includes the program and tea table 

Registration by 23.4.2026: salesservice@valamo.fi or 017 570 1810  

Also inquire about accommodation.

Warmly welcome!

The roses for the event are provided by K-Market Karvio 

https://www.k-ruoka.fi/kauppa/k-market-karvio