”The great Elder Paisius Velichkovsky also lamented the lack of spiritual guides, but urged, based on his spiritual experience, to consult with like-minded individuals, to discuss and together study the writings of the Holy Fathers. Thus, your circle that holds meetings is very useful, as in it you exchange ideas with each other.” – Saint John of Valamo
”God is one, but the paths leading to Him are manifold.” – Saint John of Valamo
The course offers an opportunity to pause on one's own spiritual journey to reflect on where one is right now. Where do I come from and where am I called? We will pause together as peers and fellow travelers on the central themes of Christian life: what is humility? What about love? What prevents me from loving and being humble? The goal is to seek insights from the writings of the Holy Fathers and the tradition of contemplative Christianity, to develop self-knowledge, and to share thoughts on what spirituality means in each person's life. Together, we will explore some frameworks for the stages of the spiritual journey and how we can encounter them. The course can be attended with whatever faith and background one has at that moment. All of us as Christians are stumbling and imperfect. One may speak about one's own incompleteness or faith as much as one wishes during the course – or not speak at all. The most important thing is the ability to respect others, their experience, and their spirituality. Joint work is not based on giving advice or finding the right answer, but on sharing thoughts in a gentle and accepting atmosphere. Every person has a unique calling and purpose reserved for them by God. We also cherish this uniqueness by respectfully encountering others. Thus, being together can support each person's own spiritual journey. The course instruction begins on 4.9.; accommodation for the preceding night is included in the course price. Any meals on 3.9. are paid at Restaurant Trapesa at normal prices. Instructor, philosopher, theologian and non-fiction writer Samuel Salovuori, Kirkko ja kaupunki profile
Friday 4.9.
06.00 Midnight and Morning Service. First Hour.
07.30- Breakfast
09.00 Course opening.
09.30 Introduction and orientation: spirituality as a journey and an opportunity for growth
12.30 Lunch
13.30 Spirituality: personal experience and calling
15.00-15.30 BREAK
15.30 Examples and role models of spiritual life
18.00 Ninth Hour, Vespers, Small Compline and Three Canons.
19.30 Supper
Saturday 5.9.
06.00 Midnight and Morning Service. Liturgy.
07.30- Breakfast
09.00 Psychological obstacles on the spiritual journey
12.00 Prayer Service.
12.30 Lunch
13.30 Love as the purpose of life
15.00 Break
15.30 Stages and turning points of the spiritual journey
18.00 Vigil
20.00 Supper
Sunday 6.9.
(07.30-) Breakfast
09.00 Third Hour and Liturgy. Panagia.
10.30 Concluding discussion
11.30 Farewell lunch
Check-out by 12:00.
To be updated later.
