The orthodox church in Finland is a national church, with membership of approximately one percent of the population. However the membership is declining. Yet, next year in the small town of Lammi, the unofficial monastery, Panagia, turns ten.

In 2013 the monks of Panagia were in search of a place to settle. The remnants of an old healthcare institution with 22 buildings was found. But it hasn’t been easy to establish a monastery here. The monks have met big financial issues and rising costs of energy.

Hannu Pöyhönen, head monk, thinks that it will never become officiated. Even though there hasn't been a monastery ordained since Finland gained its independence, he still believes it's an impossible goal. “We’re not very popular within the wider church, we’re seen as fanatics by the rest of the church, due to our very traditional views and attitudes as we try to follow the practices that are nearly 1700 years old.” 

But day-to-day struggles are a form of prostration, struggles that bring the monks closer to God, til example the fasting, labour and the residents wish⁸ to live in peace.

”And the first place in which we found ourselves was this very place, where we are talking now. Although it is beautiful and quiet here, I thought it was unreasonable to obtain the complex due to the large number of buildings that need maintenance to keep them in good working order. But Elder Ephraim insisted that this place was for us. And after a series of difficult yet miraculous events we obtained this complex.” - Hannu Pöyhönen, head monk of Panagia