THE COURSE'S PET-FRIENDLY ROOMS ARE CURRENTLY FULL, WE ARE ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS FOR WAITLISTS.
Welcome to a journey of hearts to Valamo. During the course, we will explore the world of animals and their significance in creation. We will meet animal friends, share our own experiences and memories of beloved pets. What can we learn from them? We will discuss animal theology, ecology, and animal rights, which are emerging as a question similar to human rights globally. We will walk in nature, wagging our tails and sensing new scents. Many saints have lived in close interaction with animals. We will also touch upon their personal histories through iconography and literature. You can attend the course with or without a pet if the theme is otherwise appealing. Please note that a limited number of pet-friendly rooms are available, and the price of this course includes the pet supplement for the room. The language of instruction is Finnish.
Monday, August 31st
12 Course opening, introductions, and a treat moment for pets
12:30 Guided outdoor tour of the monastery area
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 Tyty the dog from Lintula Monastery
16:15 Akathist of Thanksgiving at Saint Nicholas' chapel on the shore of Lake Juojärvi
17 The life and wisdom of chickens – guided visit to Valamo Monastery garden – Brother Mattias
18 Ninth Hour. Vespers. Small after-Vespers service and pravilo.
19:30 Evening meal
Tuesday, September 1st. Beginning of the Church Year and the Day Blessed by the Ecumenical Patriarch for Nature
6 Midnight and Morning Service. Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.
7:30-10:00 Breakfast at Restaurant Trapesa
9 DVM, specialist veterinarian in small animal diseases Tytti Harjuhahto and Nasti the dog talk about healthcare for old dogs and cats and answer questions from course participants
11 Lunch at Restaurant Trapesa
12 The dog's impact: animal-assisted activities
Dog as a work partner with special groups
Instructor Riikka Enäsuo and Koco the poodle
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 session - textile artist Riitta Turunen and Milli the dog
16 Thematic book tips
17 Blessing of pets – Hieromonk Rafael
18 Ninth Hour. Vespers. Small after-Vespers service and pravilo.
19:30 Evening meal
Wednesday, September 2nd
6 Midnight and Morning Service. 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 check-out
Dogs participating in the course can, if they wish, enjoy a free massage as practice clients of dog massage student Tauno Koriala. Massage times are arranged separately.
