Beginner's Icon Painting Course: Christ Icon 6/2026

08.06.2026 00:00 - 15.06.2026 00:00

Registration ends: 25.05.2026 00:00 - If registration has already closed, please inquire about course places by calling 017 570 1810.

myyntipalvelu@valamo.fi, p. 017 5701 810

, 605€/College Hotel single room, incl. accommodation, teaching, meals

Course description

This course is intended for individuals who want to learn to paint an Orthodox icon using traditional techniques. On this course, you do not need any prior painting experience. We will paint a simple icon of Christ, limited to the shoulders. The instruction covers the stages of icon painting from preparing the drawing to grinding colors and painting. We will also get acquainted with the oiling (varnishing) of a finished icon. You will receive the icon base and model at the beginning of the course. Other tools and materials needed for the course can also be purchased from the folk high school. Course instruction begins on June 8th; accommodation for the previous night is included in the course price, any meals on June 7th are paid at Trapesaan at normal prices. Please note that those under 35 years old receive a 40 percent discount on the price of icon painting courses. Instructor: art teacher, icon painter Elina Oravala.

Epassi mobile app can be used as a payment method for this course.

Course program

Sunday 7.6.

Arrival and accommodation. Possible meals at own expense. The classroom is available only in the morning, so please do not bring your belongings to the classroom earlier.

6:00 PM Ninth Hour. Vespers. Small Compline and Akathist. Main Church.

Monday 8.6.

6:00 AM Midnight Office and Matins. First Hour. Main Church.

7:30-9:00 AM Breakfast

9:00 AM Course opening

9:30 AM-1:00 PM Introduction to the topic, guided work

12:00 PM Moleben, or prayer service. Main Church

1:00-3:00 PM Lunch

3:00-5:00 PM Guided work, coffee break at a suitable interval

6:00 PM Ninth Hour. Vespers. Small Compline and pravilo. Main Church.

Tuesday 9.6.

6:00 AM Midnight Office and Matins. Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. Main Church

7:30-9:00 AM Breakfast

9:00 AM-1:00 PM Guided work

12:00 PM Moleben, or prayer service. Main Church

1:00-3:00 PM Lunch

3:00-5:00 PM Guided work, coffee break at a suitable interval

6:00 PM Ninth Hour. Vespers. Small Compline and pravilo. Main Church.

Wednesday 10.6.

6:00 AM Midnight Office and Matins. First Hour. Main Church.

7:30-9:00 AM Breakfast

9:00 AM-1:00 PM Guided work

12:00 PM Moleben, or prayer service. Main Church

1:00-3:00 PM Lunch

3:00-5:00 PM Guided work, coffee break at a suitable interval

6:00 PM Ninth Hour. Vespers. Small Compline and pravilo. Main Church

Thursday 11.6.

6:00 AM Midnight Office and Matins. Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. Main Church.

7:30-9:00 AM Breakfast

9:00 AM-1:00 PM Guided work

12:00 PM Moleben, or prayer service. Main Church

1:00-3:00 PM Lunch

3:00-5:00 PM Guided work, coffee break at a suitable interval

6:00 PM Ninth Hour. Vespers. Small Compline and Akathist to St. Arseni

Friday 12.6. Commemoration Day of Saint Arseni of Konevets

6:00 AM Midnight Office and Matins. First Hour. Main Church.

7:30-9:00 AM Breakfast

9:00 AM-1:00 PM Guided work

12:00 PM Moleben, or prayer service. Main Church

1:00-3:00 PM Lunch

3:00-5:00 PM Guided work, coffee break at a suitable interval

6:00 PM Ninth Hour. Vespers. Small Compline and pravilo. Old Church.

Saturday 13.6.

6:00 AM Midnight Office and Matins. Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. Old Church

7:30-9:00 AM Breakfast

9:00 AM-1:00 PM Guided work

12:00 PM Moleben, or prayer service. Main Church

1:00-3:00 PM Lunch

3:00-5:00 PM Guided work, coffee break at a suitable interval

6:00 PM Vigil. Main Church.

Sunday 14.6.

7:30-9:00 AM Breakfast

9:00 AM Third Hour. Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. Panagia. Main Church

NOTE! No work during the liturgy

11:30 AM-1:30 PM Guided work

12:00 PM Moleben, or prayer service for Saints Sergei and Herman of Valamo. Winter Church.

1:30-2:30 PM Lunch

2:30-6:00 PM Guided work, coffee break at a suitable interval

6:00 PM Ninth Hour. Vespers. Small Compline and Akathist. Main Church.

Monday 15.6.

6:00 AM Midnight Office and Matins. First Hour. Main Church.

7:30-9:00 AM Breakfast

9:00 AM-12:30 PM Guided icon finishing

NOTE! Keys must be returned to reception by 12:00 PM.

12:00 PM Moleben, or prayer service for Saints Sergei and Herman of Valamo. Main Church.

12:30 PM Course closing, evaluation, and possible finishing instructions for home

1:00 PM Closing lunch

Rights to changes reserved

Teacher

Oravala Elina

I am Elina Oravala, an icon painter and lecturer in fine arts, MA.

In teaching, I consider it an important starting point to guide the student towards learning according to their own skill level. I believe that everyone can be skilled and everyone can learn. In addition to teaching technical skills, I find it important that the painter learns to delve into and quiet down into the painting process in their own way.

As a teacher, I am encouraging, friendly, inspiring, and enthusiastic. For me, icons and icon painting are an important part of life, and I gain immense joy and happiness from both, in everyday life as well as on special occasions.

I warmly welcome everyone to my courses!