The course explores the life stories of those resting in Valamo's forest cemetery and considers what Orthodox Christians mean when they speak of transitioning to the afterlife. The course includes, in addition to introductions and discussions, a panihida, a memorial service for the beloved departed, outdoor movement in the forest cemetery, a concert, and the launch event for the book 'Portti tuonilmaisiin' (Gateway to the Afterlife) which deals with the cemetery. The course price includes the new book 'Portti tuonilmaisiin,' which will be published during the course. The language of instruction is Finnish.
- Annina Holmberg is an author and screenwriter, who has published some thirty works. She has a long relationship with Valamo, where her parents are buried.
- Olli Löytty is a Professor of Literature and Creative Writing at the University of Turku. He completed his civil service in Valamo in the 1980s.
- Irina Ritvanen is a Master's student in Philosophy and Literary Studies at the University of Helsinki. She has visited Valamo with her family since childhood.
- Mitja Ritvanen is a Master's student in Religious Studies at the University of Helsinki and an active Orthodox Christian. In Valamo, he has volunteered, for example, as an altar server in the church.
Friday 18.9.
Arrival in Valamo. Dining from the buffet at Cafe-Restaurant Trapesa until 3:00 PM.
4:45 PM Course opening. Maria Matsi and Taina West. Academy Hall.
5:00 PM Background and making of the book 'Portti tuonilmaisiin'. Annina Holmberg and Olli Löytty.
6:00 PM Ninth Hour, Vespers, Small Compline and Tri-Canon in the main church
7:30 PM Evening tea and get-together in the red hall of Trapesa
8:30 PM Opportunity for sauna: men at the lakeside sauna, women at the hotel sauna until 10 PM.
Saturday 19.9.
6:00 AM Midnight Office, Matins, Liturgy in the main church
7:30 AM- Monastery breakfast at Cafe-Restaurant Trapesa.
9:00 AM-12:00 PM History of Valamo's forest cemetery. Metropolitan Panteleimon. Academy Hall.
Trip to the cemetery.
Small memorial service. Metropolitan Panteleimon. Herman of Alaska's Chapel at the cemetery.
12:00 PM Moleben, or prayer service, in the main church
12:00 PM-1:00 PM Lunch at Cafe-Restaurant Trapesa
1:00 PM Legends of the cemetery from Igumen Simforian to Monk Akakios. Olli Löytty and Mitja Ritvanen. Academy Hall.
Cemetery artists from Kalle and Ritva Holmberg to Erkki Salmenhaara. Annina Holmberg and Irina Ritvanen.
4:00 PM Book launch for 'Portti tuonilmaisiin' in the red hall of Trapesa.
Book blessing, introduction of authors, publisher's speech and a sample from Niilo Rantala's evening concert, along with celebratory coffee and toasts. Book available at a special discount.
5:00 PM Cemetery writers from Elina Karjalainen to Pentti Saarikoski. Olli Löytty and Irina Ritvanen. Academy Hall.
Cemetery horror stories. Annina Holmberg and Mitja Ritvanen
6:00 PM Vigil in the main church
8:30 PM Valamo Tea Table and 'Maa jossa kuolemaa ei ole' concert in the red hall of Trapesa, Niilo Rantala.
The concert includes Niilo Rantala's own compositions, as well as songs by Kaj Chydenius, with themes of the afterlife. Duration approx. 40 minutes.
Sunday 20.9.
7:30 AM Monastery breakfast at Cafe-Restaurant Trapesa
9:00 AM Third Hour and Liturgy.
11:00 AM Lunch at Cafe-Restaurant Trapesa.
Room check-out by 12 PM.
12:00 PM The Orthodox bright understanding of death. Annina Holmberg, Olli Löytty, Irina Ritvanen and Mitja Ritvanen. Academy Hall.
1:00 PM Final discussion and course conclusion. Taina West and Maria Matsi. Academy Hall.
Room check-out before lunch but no later than 12:00 PM.
