This post was originally published on this site
Following their picturesque celebration of Theophany upon the frozen Lake Juurikkasalmi, pilgrims belonging to Boston’s Telos Center were offered a tour of Finland’s New Valamo Monastery.
> Previously: Pilgrims celebrate Epiphany upon a Finnish monastery’s frozen lake
Monk Sophrony guided the young adults through the Valamo grounds, churches, library, archives, and museum, explaining the monastery’s history and prized possessions.
Considered to be founded by Sts. Sergius and Herman, the community began between the 10th and 15th centuries. Given St. Herman’s significant contributions to Orthodoxy’s spread in the U.S., this shared relationship made more meaningful many pilgrims’ time at the monastery.
The original Valaam monastery was located in what is now Russian territory, on an island in Lake Ladoga. In 1940, Soviet forces bombed the monastery, but an evacuation effort saved the monks and many sacred items by driving across the frozen lake. The monks created a new settlement in Finland’s North Karelia region (hence the current name “New Valamo”), ensuring the community’s continuity.
Today, Valamo is considered the spiritual center of Finnish Orthodoxy, and the community has been called the “Athos of the North” since its early days.
In the monastery’s main church, the pilgrims had the chance to venerate several of Valamo’s most sacred items, including three wonderworking icons and many relics. They also spoke briefly with Valamo’s abbot, Archimandrite Mikael, who welcomed them to the monastery and recalled his time with last year’s Telos Center pilgrimage.
“If something happens three times, it’s already a tradition,” Archimandrite Mikael said, sharing his wish that the center return again, continuing the tradition for years to come.
> Previously: CrossRoad Institute commences second annual Finland pilgrimage
In the monastery’s library and archive, the pilgrims were able to view more valuable items, such as the letters of Sts. Herman of Alaska and John of Valamo. They concluded their tour of Valamo with a trip to the monastery cemetery, guided by fellow pilgrim Fritjiof.
The post CrossRoad Institute pilgrims tour New Valamo Monastery appeared first on Orthodox Observer.
