Silence Retreat 5/2026

13.05.2026 00:00 - 17.05.2026 00:00

Registration ends: 29.04.2026 00:00 - If registration has already closed, please inquire about course places by calling 017 570 1810.

myyntipalvelu@valamo.fi, p. 017 5701 810

, 420€/Guesthouse 1 room, incl. accommodation, tuition, meals

Course description
Course program

Course description

What does silence mean in the Orthodox competitive tradition? The Silence Retreat offers peace and quiet, a place where you can turn your gaze inward and consciously strive to find the power of silence. By minimizing the usual everyday stimuli and descending into silence, we create a space where prayer and inner peace begin to unfold. The monastery's services create a space for prayer and spiritual renewal. During the retreat, you can also have confidential conversations with a priest, and those who belong to the Orthodox Church can also participate in the sacrament of penance and communion. Don't let the noise of everyday life silence your inner voice. Join the Silence Retreat and discover a new way of experiencing the world! The Silence Retreat is led by Father Risto Käyhkö and TT Juha Riikonen.

Course program

Wednesday 13.5.

14.00 Arrival, lunch and accommodation

15.00 Opening of the retreat, introduction to the monastery and Orthodox worship life Father Risto Käyhkö and Juha Riikonen.

18.00 Vigil

20.00 Evening meal in the college lounge. Introduction and descent into silence.Father Risto.

Ascension Thursday 14.5.

(07.30- Breakfast)

09.00 III moment. The Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom. Panagia

10.30 Teaching session, Father Risto and JR.

12.00 Lunch

Silence / spiritual discussion

15.30 We will conduct the Jesus prayer service together.

16.00 Silence / spiritual discussion

18.00 IX moment, great vespers, small post-vespers service and akathist to our sweetest Lord Jesus Christ.

19.30 Evening meal.

Friday 15.5.

7.30- Breakfast

06:00. Midnight, and morning service, I moment.

09.00 Teaching session: Holiness of life.

12.00 Lunch

Silence / spiritual discussion

15.30 We will lead a moment of thanksgiving for creation together.

16.00 Silence / spiritual discussion

18.00 IX moment, evening service, small post-evening service and three canons.

19.30 Evening meal.

Saturday 16.5.

06.00 Midnight and morning service, liturgy.

07.30- Breakfast

09.00 On the saints and the holiness of life.

10.30 Visit to the monastery cemetery, where a memorial service for the deceased will be held.

12.00 Prayer service.

12.30 Lunch

Silence / spiritual discussion

18.00 Vigil.

20.00 Evening meal.

Sunday of the Holy Fathers 17.5.

(7.30- Breakfast)

9.00 III moment and liturgy. Panagia.

11.30 Final lunch and retreat summary, RK and JR.

Rights to make changes are reserved.

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.

Teacher

Käyhkö Risto

Father Risto Käyhkö is a theologian, teacher, and philosophy-trained facilitator of constructive interaction. He is particularly interested in the apostle Paul's idea that one cannot dominate another person, but one can help him to His joy.

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

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