Course program

Monday, August 31

12 Course opening, introduction, and treat time for pets

12:30 Guided outdoor tour of the monastery grounds

14 Accommodation and lunch at Restaurant Trapesa

15-16 Creation as God's gift – animal and human together on the path to salvation – Archimandrite Andreas and dog Tyty from Lintula Monastery

16:15 Akathist of Thanksgiving at Saint Nicholas' chapel on the shore of Juojärvi

17 Life and wisdom of hens – guided visit to Valamo Monastery garden – Obedience Brother Mattias

18 Ninth Hour. Vespers. Small Compline and Rule of Prayer.

19:30 Supper

Tuesday, September 1. Beginning of the Ecclesiastical Year and Day of Prayer for Creation Blessed by the Ecumenical Patriarch

6 Midnight Office and Matins. Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.

7:30-10:00 Breakfast at Restaurant Trapesa

9 DVM, specialist veterinarian in small animal diseases, Tytti Harjuhahto and dog Nasti talk about the healthcare of elderly dogs and cats, and answer participants' questions

11 Lunch at Restaurant Trapesa

12 Dog as an assistant - Archpriest Sergius Colliander and assistance dog Karma

13 What flashed among the blueberry bushes? – a sensory walk in silence in the monastery forest

14 Pet pampering break and snack time

15 Art moment - textile artist Riitta Turunen and dog Milli

16 Thematic book tips

17 Blessing of pets – Hieromonk Rafael

18 Ninth Hour. Vespers. Small Compline and Rule of Prayer.

19:30 Supper

Wednesday, September 2

6 Midnight Office and Matins. First Hour.

7:30-10:00 Breakfast at Restaurant Trapesa

9 Scents on the Prayer Path

10:30 Snakes as friends - Alina Kallio, who worked as an animal keeper at Korkeasaari, introduces participants to the world of her snakes

11:30 Course closing lunch at Restaurant Trapesa

12 Room checkout

Dogs attending the course can, if they wish, enjoy a free massage as practice clients for dog massage student Tauno Koriala. Massage times are arranged separately.