Front page Lay Academy Upcoming courses Getting to know Orthodoxy 3/2026

Filter courses

By theme

Monthly

See all

Getting to know Orthodoxy 3/2026

06.03.2026 00:00 - 08.03.2026 00:00

Registration ends: 20.02.2026 00:00 - If registration has already closed, please inquire about course places by calling 017 570 1810.

myyntipalvelu@valamo.fi, p. 017 5701 810

, 150€/Student hotel 1 room, incl. accommodation, tuition, meals, 130€/Hotel room, incl. accommodation, tuition, meals

Register for the course here

Course description

We delve into the thinking and practice of the Orthodox Church. This course opens the door to the faith and life of the Orthodox Church. During the course, we will discuss both theological and practical perspectives and create a foundation for understanding the Orthodox faith. The course is also intended for those who want to update and deepen their understanding of their own faith. Whether you are interested in Orthodoxy or are already a more experienced traveler on the path of faith, this course offers you new perspectives and in-depth information. The teacher is TT Juha Riikonen. The course is supported by the Orthodox Church of Finland.

Special price 150 €/OH1 and 130 €/person. OH2 or small hotel room incl. tuition, accommodation and meals according to the program. No other discounts.

Course program

Friday 6.3.

14.00 Arrival and dinner

15.45 Opening of the course. Introduction.

16.15 Orthodox teaching about God, man and the Church.

16.45 Introduction to the main church of Valamo and the history of the monastery.

18.00 IX moment. Great evening service and the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts.

19.30 Evening meal

20.00 What is monastic life? Monk Jonah.

Saturday 7.3. All Souls' Day.

06.00 Midnight and Parastasis morning service. Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.

07.30- Breakfast

09.00 What is an Orthodox lifestyle?

12.00 Moleben or Prayer Service to the Theotokos and our Saints Sergei and Herman of Valamolais.

12.30 Lunch

13.30 Deacons and deaconess in the Finnish Orthodox Church. Research student Sami Fyrqvist.

16.00 Communion of Saints – visit to the monastery cemetery, commemoration of the deceased.

18.00 Vigil (great evening service, polyeleo-morning service and I moment). Exposition and veneration of the Cross.

19.30 Evening meal

Sunday of the veneration of the Cross 8.3. Memorial day of St. John of Sonkajanrantalainen.

(07.30-Breakfast)

09.00 III moment and liturgy of St. Basil the Great. Panagia.

11.30 Lunch and closing discussion in the Trapesa.

Rights to changes reserved

Teacher

Riikonen Juha

I am a full-time teacher at Valamo College, TT Juha Riikonen. I teach theological subjects. My courses of responsibility are related to the Orthodox lifestyle, such as “Get to know Orthodoxy” and “Do I feel like an Orthodox?” I also teach retreat courses. My special expertise is related to church history. In my second profession, I am a historian. My doctoral dissertation dealt with the canonical, or church administrative, dispute between the Finnish Orthodox Archbishopric and the Moscow Patriarchate in the years 1945–1957. The topic is very topical again, as the political situation in Europe has become tense due to the war in Ukraine. My hometown of Ilomantsi and Karelianism are an important part of my identity.

Contact information

Contact information

Driving directions and transport connections

Invoicing addresses and bank contact details
Accessibility statement

Data protection statement

Visiting hours

Valamo Monastery is open all year round. The opening hours of the services vary according to the season.

Newsletter

Subscribe to the newsletter - you will receive current news, events and services from Valamo directly to your email.

Customer feedback

How was your visit to Valamo Monastery? We would like to receive your feedback on the services you used.

Thank you and welcome back!

Copyright © Valamo Monastery. All Rights Reserved.

Functional cookies: 
Statistical cookies: 
Marketing cookies: