The Silence Retreat 12/2026

02.12.2026 00:00 - 06.12.2026 00:00

Registration ends: 19.11.2026 00:00 - If registration has already closed, please inquire about course places by calling 017 570 1810.

myyntipalvelu@valamo.fi, p. 017 5701 810

, 440€/College Hotel single room, incl. accommodation, teaching, meals, 420€/Guest House single room, incl. accommodation, teaching, meals

Course description
Course program

Course description

The Silence Retreat offers peace and quiet, a place where you can turn your gaze inward and consciously seek to find the power of silence. By minimizing typical daily stimuli and descending into silence, we create a space where prayer and inner peace begin to unfold. The monastery's Divine Services create a space for prayer and spiritual renewal. During the retreat, you can also have confidential discussions with a priest, and those who belong to the Orthodox Church can also participate in the sacrament of repentance and Holy Communion. Don't let the noise of everyday life silence your inner voice. Join the silence retreat and discover a new way to experience the world. The Silence Retreat is led by Father Risto Käyhkö and D.Th. Juha Riikonen.

December special price 400 €/OH1 incl. teaching, accommodation and meals according to the program.

Course program

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.

Teacher

Käyhkö Risto

Father Risto Käyhkö is a theologian, teacher, and facilitator of constructive interaction who has studied philosophy. He is particularly moved by the Apostle Paul's thought that one cannot control another person, but one can help them into His joy.

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

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