Advanced Course in Orthodoxy 8/2026

On this course, we will deepen our understanding of Orthodoxy, going a little deeper than the basic course. This course is especially aimed at those who have previously attended the “Introduction to Orthodoxy” course, but others interested in Orthodoxy are also welcome. The teacher is D.Th. Juha Riikonen, with other experts from Valamo also participating. The course is supported by the Orthodox Church of Finland.

Special price 150 €/OH1, including tuition, accommodation, and meals according to the program. No other discounts.

Friday 7.8.

14:00 Arrival and lunch

15:00 Course opening. Purpose and expectations of the course. Getting acquainted. Juha Riikonen.

15:30 Life and practice at Valamo Monastery. Archimandrite Mikael.

16:30 Visit to the monastery churches.

18:00 IX Hour, Vespers, Small Compline and Akathist in honor of the Valamo Icon of the Mother of God.

19:30 Supper

20:00 Theology of icons and the holy cross. JR.

Saturday 8.8.

06:00 Midnight Office and Matins. Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.

07:30- Breakfast

09:00 The position of women and children in the Orthodox Church. PhD Elsi Takala.

12:00 Prayer service for all saints of Valamo.

12:30 Lunch

13:30 Deacons in the Orthodox Church. Sami Fyrqvist.

15:30 Pot coffee at the boat dock. Plus a possible surprise program.

18:00 Vigil.

19:30 Supper.

Sunday 9.8.

Commemoration Day of Our Venerable Father Herman of Alaska

(07:30- Breakfast)

09:00 III Hour and Liturgy.

11:00 Concluding lunch and feedback discussion.

12:00 Small blessing of water at the cemetery chapel.