Becoming Orthodox? 6/2026

05.06.2026 00:00 - 07.06.2026 00:00

Registration ends: 03.06.2026 00:00 - If registration has already closed, please inquire about course places by calling 017 570 1810.

myyntipalvelu@valamo.fi, p. 017 5701 810

, 130€/Guest House single room, incl. accommodation, teaching, meals

Course description
Course program

Course description

Welcome to a journey of discovering Orthodoxy and building your own spiritual path. This course is designed for those considering joining the Orthodox Church, as well as anyone else interested in Orthodoxy. We lower the threshold for joining the church and church membership. During the course, you will learn to understand the church's doctrine and liturgical life; matters are covered in a concise but informative form. The program does not only include lectures; the course offers an opportunity for discussions about Orthodoxy and joining the church. The content of the course supports and complements the catechetical instruction of parishes. Instructors are Dr. Juha Riikonen and Librarian Virva Suvitie. The course receives support from the Orthodox Church of Finland.

Special price 150 € OH1 and 130 €/VM1 incl. teaching, accommodation, and meals according to the program. No other discounts.

Course program

PROGRAM

Friday 5.6.

2:00 PM- Arrival and lunch

4:15 PM Course start. Course purpose and expectations.

4:30 PM Reading circle assignment. Introduction to the church and library. Juha Riikonen and Virva Suvitie.

6:00 PM Ninth Hour, Vespers, Small Compline, and Akathist to Venerable John of Valamo.

7:30 PM Supper

8:00 PM Private contemplation with the reading assignment.

Saturday 6.6.

6:00 AM Midnight Office and Matins, where the Great Akathist to the Mother of God is read. Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.

7:30 AM- Breakfast

9:00 AM What does it mean to be Orthodox? How does one join the church? Discussion. Challenges of joining the church?

12:00 PM Moleben, a prayer service to all Valamo Saints. Old Church.

12:30 PM Lunch.

1:00 PM Icon presentation. Kyllikki Lisitsin.

2:00 PM What does the Sacrament of Repentance mean? What makes a good spiritual father relationship? Igumen Mikael.

3:00 PM How I became Orthodox? Virva Suvitie.

4:00 PM Discussion of the reading assignment.

6:00 PM Vigil.

7:30 PM Supper

Sunday 7.6.

Time

(7:30 AM- Breakfast)

9:00 AM Third Hour and Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.

11:30 AM Closing lunch and feedback discussion.

Rights to changes reserved

Teacher

Riikonen Juha

I am TT Juha Riikonen, a permanent teacher at Valamo College. I teach theological subjects. My main courses are related to the Orthodox way of life, such as “Get to Know Orthodoxy” and “Should I Become Orthodox?”. I also teach retreat courses. My special expertise lies in church history. By profession, I am also a historian. My doctoral research focused on the canonical, or church administrative, dispute between the Finnish Orthodox Archdiocese and the Moscow Patriarchate in 1945–1957. The topic is very timely again, as the political situation in Europe has escalated with the war in Ukraine. My home region Ilomantsi and Karelian identity are an important part of my identity.

Contact information

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Visiting hours

Valamo Monastery is open year-round. Services' visiting hours vary by season.

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