Part I 12–21 November 2027
Part II 16–25 February 2028
Byzantine Emperor Leo the Thracian, when he was still an ordinary citizen, once encountered a thirsty blind man while walking in the forest. As Leo searched for water, he heard a voice: “Emperor Leo, you will find water deeper in the forest. Wash the blind man’s eyes with it, and you will see the power of God.” Leo was astonished by the supernatural voice and that it addressed him as emperor. After finding the spring, he anointed the blind man's eyes with the water, and they were healed. When Leo later became emperor, he built a church on the site. Healing miracles began to happen through the water, and the place was named the Life-Giving Spring. For nearly a thousand years, it was a beloved pilgrimage destination for Christians. One of those healed at the spring was Emperor Justinian, who in gratitude built a new magnificent church nearby. A large monastery later arose around it. After the fall of Constantinople in 1453, Muslims destroyed the church of the Life-Giving Spring, and only a small chapel remained, which was also destroyed in 1821. The spring was buried under stones and gravel, but people continued to visit the site in silence, as healing miracles continued. In 1833, Christians received permission to build a new church, and a hospital was also founded nearby. The Turks destroyed the church during riots in 1955. Today, there is a renovated, rather small church on the site and next to it, the Life-Giving Spring. Healings continue to occur through the water. These have been experienced by both Christians and Muslims, who revere the holy water of the place. In honor of the sanctity of the place, a special icon of the Mother of God, the Life-Giving Spring, has been painted, the feast day of which is April 4th. The feast day of the spring itself is celebrated on Bright Friday. Since the subject involves many figures and details, the course consists of two parts, the first being from 12–21 November 2027 and the second from 16–25 February 2028. The base and other necessary materials can be purchased from the academy. The package of two courses is specially priced, and no other usual discounts are granted. The course instruction begins on November 12th; accommodation for the previous night is included in the course price, and any meals on November 11th are paid at normal prices at Trapeza. Please note that those under 35 years old receive a 40 percent discount on icon painting courses. The course price in November also includes a Father's Day festive lunch in addition to the usual meals. The teacher is icon conservator and painter Antti Narmala. The language of instruction is Finnish.
Total price for two courses 1075 €/OH1 incl. instruction, accommodation and meals as per the program.
Epassi mobile app can be used as a payment method on this course.
