Science and Medicine Celebration Day at Valamo Monastery on Saturday, October 17, 2026, 12-18
On the eve of the feast of all holy healers and Apostle Luke
Welcome to reflect on the significance of science, health, and faith in human life
The Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate decided in July 2021 to honor the contribution of science for the benefit of humanity with an annual common memorial day for all holy healers and holy Apostle Luke, which this year is celebrated on Sunday, October 18.
The Science and Medicine Celebration Day, organized at Valamo Monastery, gathers experts from various fields to reflect on the universe, health, and the dialogue between science and faith. During the day, lectures will be heard on healing in the Orthodox Church tradition, astronomy, public health, and biblical studies, and a discussion will be held on whether science and faith can be partners in the search for truth.
Speakers at the celebration day include the head of Valamo Monastery, Archimandrite Mikael, Emeritus Professor of Space Astronomy Esko Valtaoja, Professor of Public Health Science Jussi Kauhanen, and Doctor of Theology, Priest Mikael Hyytiäinen.
Program:
12.00 Opportunity to participate in a Moleben, i.e., a prayer service, in the Main Church
12.30 Welcome words and introduction to the day's theme
Apostle Luke and healing in the Church tradition
Head of Valamo Monastery, Archimandrite Mikael
13.00 The universe and the gift of wonder
What does current astronomy tell us about the universe and humanity's place in it?
Emeritus Professor of Space Astronomy Esko Valtaoja
14.00 Science in the service of health
How research helps prevent diseases and promote holistic human well-being - future directions
Professor of Public Health Science Jussi Kauhanen
15.00 Valamo Tea Table at Restaurant Trapesa
An atmospheric moment with Valamo's delicacies
The tea table includes tea and raspberry jam, salmon pie, cabbage pie, meat pie, pickled cucumbers with sour cream and honey, dry cake, cookies, sweets, and fruits.
16.00 Natural scientific methods and biblical studies
Tracing the original text
Doctor of Theology, Priest Mikael Hyytiäinen
17.00 Panel discussion: Is science a partner to faith?
18.00 Vigil in the Main Church
The event will be held at Valamo Cultural Centre
Day's program: 25 €/ person includes the program and tea table
Registration by October 10, 2026:
salesservice@valamo.fi or 017 570 1810
Also ask about accommodation
A warm welcome!
Read more about the origin story of the celebration from last year's article on the Finnish Orthodox Church's website:
https://ort.fi/news/19-10-kirkossa-muistetaan-tieteen-ja-erityisesti-laaketieteen-ihmiskunnan-hyvaksi-tekemaa-tyota/
