Course description
NOTE! The duration of the course has changed compared to the brochure. The course ends on 11.7.2026, meaning it lasts five days.
The courses under the 'Icon Painter's Gym' title practice various aspects of icon painting. Just like in strength training, these courses also train one muscle group at a time. The theme of the first course is the garments of saints. The course is suitable for everyone interested in icon painting. How did Saint Empress Helena or the Great Martyr Catherine dress? What kind of clothes are painted for a nun or a monk? For a priest or an Aleut boy? Learn to create the attire of icon figures based on Byzantine models. Tunics, loruses, himations, maphorions, and head coverings will become familiar. We will practice by drawing and painting with tempera colors on practice panels. Through the exercises, color perception and knowledge of pigments will also develop. Students will also collaboratively compile their own digital learning material. The course has an independent follow-up part, focusing on buildings, objects, furniture, and attributes of saints. Please note that those under 35 years old receive a 40 percent discount on the fees for icon painting courses. Instructor: icon painter Katariina Koskivaara-Ilmonen.
The Epassi mobile application can be used as a payment method for this course.
Course program
Tuesday 7.7.
Arrival and registration at the reception, dining from the buffet of Restaurant Trapesa, which is available until 17:00. Accommodation is possible after 16:00.
17:00 Course opening, use of sketchbook and Pinterest in the course, practice panels
19.30 Supper
Lakeside sauna
Wednesday 8.7.
06:00 Midnight and morning service, First Hour in the Main Church
07:30 Monastery breakfast
09:00 Basic forms of garment folds
12:00 Moleben, or prayer service, in the Main Church
13:00 - 15:00 Lunch and siesta or swimming break
15:00 - 18:00 watercolor paper preparation, sleeve folds - drawing
18:00 Ninth Hour, evening service, small Compline and pravilo in the Main Church
19:30 Supper
Thursday 9.7.
06:00 Midnight service, morning service and liturgy in the Main Church
07:30 Monastery breakfast
09:00-13:00 New Testament men's and women's attire, drawing
12:00 Moleben, or prayer service. Main Church
13:00 - 15:00 Lunch and siesta or swimming break
15:00 - 18:00 practical work
18:00 Vigil in the Main Church
19:30 Supper
Sauna (college sauna)
Friday 10.7. Feast of the Konevets Icon of the Mother of God
7:30–10:00 Monastery breakfast
9:00 Third Hour. Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. Panagia. Main Church.
10:30 Byzantine court attire, military saints, angels
12:00 Moleben, or prayer service. Main Church
13:00 - 15:00 Lunch and siesta or swimming break
15:00 - 18:00 Attire of clergy and ascetics, ethnic saints
18:00 Ninth Hour, evening service, small Compline and Tri-Canon in the Main Church
19:30 Supper
Saturday 11.7.
06:00 Midnight service, morning service and liturgy in the Main Church
07:30 Monastery breakfast
09:00 Finishing work, course conclusion.
11:50 Room checkout.
12:00 Farewell lunch.
Room checkout by 12:00.
