Becoming Orthodox? 10/2026

Welcome to a journey to explore Orthodoxy and build your own spiritual path. The course is aimed at those considering joining the Orthodox Church, as well as anyone else interested in Orthodoxy. We lower the threshold for coming to church and church membership. During the course, you will learn to understand the doctrine and liturgical life of the church, with topics covered in a concise yet informative form. The program includes not only lectures, but also offers an opportunity for discussions about Orthodoxy and joining the church. The course content supports and complements the catechumen instruction of parishes. Instructors are Dr. Juha Riikonen and librarian Virva Suvitie. The course is supported by the Orthodox Church of Finland. 

Special price 150 € for OH1 and 130 €/person for OH2 or VM1, including teaching, accommodation, and meals according to the program. No other discounts. The language of instruction is Finnish.

Friday 16.10.

14.00- Arrival and lunch

16.15 Course start. Purpose and expectations of the Course.

16.30 Reading group assignment. Discovering the church and Library. Juha Riikonen and Virva Suvitie.

18.00 Ninth Hour, Vespers, small post-Vespers Service and Three Canons.

19.30 Evening snack

20.00 How I became Orthodox? Virva Suvitie.

Saturday 17.10.

06.00 Midnight Service and Morning Service. Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom.

07.30- Breakfast

09.00 What does it mean to be Orthodox? How does one join the church? Discussion.

Challenges of joining the church?

12.30 Lunch.

13.30 What does the sacrament of repentance mean? What kind of relationship does one have with a good confessor? Igumen Mikael.

15.00 Discussion of the 'For the Life of the World' documentary.

16.30 Review of the reading assignment.

18.00 Vigil.

19.30 Evening snack

Sunday 18.10. Feast of All Holy Healers.

(07.30- Breakfast)

09.00 Third Hour and Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom.

11.30 Farewell lunch and feedback discussion.