The Familiar and Unknown Virgin Mary 11/2026

What would visual arts or church music be without the Virgin Mary? The Theotokos has been the inspiration for countless icons, paintings, and compositions from one century to the next. The seminar will present art and music related to the Virgin Mary, and discuss her position in the traditions of different denominations. The experts at the seminar are Metropolitan Arseni of Kuopio and Karelia, Pastor Emeritus Risto Pottonen of Vantaa parish – author of the book Luterilainen Neitsyt Maria (Lutheran Virgin Mary), Professor Elina Vuola – and respected music journalist, Master of Music Risto Nordell. With this seminar, we want to celebrate the institute's 40-year journey as part of the broad mission of the church and liberal adult education, ecumenical cooperation, learning open to all, and the encounter of culture and people.

To be updated later.