Becoming Orthodox? 10/2026

Welcome to a journey of discovering Orthodoxy and building your own spiritual path. This course is designed for those considering joining the Orthodox Church, as well as anyone else interested in Orthodoxy. We lower the threshold for joining the Church and becoming a Church member. During the course, you will learn to understand the doctrine and liturgical life of the Church; topics are covered in a concise but informative manner. The program does not only include lectures, but the course also offers an opportunity for discussions about Orthodoxy and joining the Church. The course content supports and complements the catechumenate instruction of parishes. Teacher Dr. Theol. Juha Riikonen and Librarian Virva Suvitie. The course is supported by the Orthodox Church of Finland.

Special price. 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.