”The great elder Paisius Velichkovsky also complained that there were no spiritual guides, but relying on his spiritual experience, he advised consulting with like-minded people, discussing and studying the writings of the Holy Fathers together. Therefore, your circle holding meetings is very useful, as 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 your own spiritual journey and reflect on where you are right now. Where do I come from, and to what am I called? As peers and fellow travelers, we will pause together to consider central themes of Christian life: what is humility? And 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 own life. Together, we will explore some frameworks for the stages of the spiritual journey and how we can encounter them. One can participate in the course with whatever faith and background one has at that moment. As Christians, we are all 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. Our shared 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 cherish this uniqueness by encountering others respectfully. In this way, our shared presence can support each individual's spiritual journey. The Course instruction begins on 11.12., and accommodation for the preceding night is included in the Course price. Any meals on 10.12. are paid for at Trapeza at normal prices. Teacher is philosopher, theologian, and author Samuel Salovuori, Kirkko ja kaupunki's profile. The language of instruction is Finnish.
Friday 11.12.
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 models of spiritual life
18.00 Ninth Hour, Vespers, Small Compline and Triple Canon.
19.30 Evening snack
Saturday 12.12.
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 Evening snack
Sunday 13.12.
(07.30-) Breakfast
09.00 Third Hour and Liturgy. Panagia.
10.30 Concluding discussion
11.30 Concluding lunch
Room check-out by 12.00.
Friday 11.12.
06.00 Midnight and Matins. First Hour.
07.30- Breakfast
09.00 Course opening.
09.30 Discovering and orientation: spirituality as a journey and 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 Trikanon.
19.30 Evening snack
Saturday 12.12.
06.00 Midnight and Matins. Liturgy.
07.30- Breakfast
09.00 Psychological obstacles on the spiritual journey
12.00 Prayer service.
12.30 Lunch
13.30 Loving as the purpose of life
15.00 Break
15.30 Stages and turning points of the spiritual journey
18.00 Vigil
20.00 Evening snack
Sunday 13.12.
(07.30-) Breakfast
09.00 Third Hour and Liturgy. Panagia.
10.30 Concluding discussion
11.30 Concluding lunch
Room handover by 12:00.
