Becoming Orthodox? 10/2027

Welcome to a journey to explore Orthodoxy and build your own spiritual path. The course is aimed at those considering joining the Orthodox Church, as well as others interested in Orthodoxy. We lower the threshold for coming to the church and towards church membership. During the course, you will learn to understand the church's doctrine and liturgical life; topics are covered concisely and with explanations of the content. The program includes not only lectures, but the course also offers an opportunity for discussions about Orthodoxy and joining the church. The course content supports and complements the catechetical instruction of parishes. Instructors: ThD Juha Riikonen and librarian Virva Suvitie. The course receives support from 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.