The practice of silence

In a silent retreat, participants step away from the routines and demands of everyday life for a time. It is an opportunity to create space for listening to oneself and, at the same time, for listening to the voice of God. Retreatants are invited simply to be, together in silence, in God’s presence and under the guidance of retreat leaders through times of prayer, worship services, and, if desired, private conversations. The retreat also offers the peace and privacy of one’s own room, the care of the retreat centre staff, and the joy of enjoying wholesome, prepared meals.

The purpose of a retreat is to respond to a person’s spiritual longing, need, or search. A retreat is both a personal and a deeply communal experience, where mutual respect and consideration for others are essential. Shared spaces at the retreat centre usually include the chapel, lounge, dining area, and library. Participants do not engage in conversation with one another during the retreat, allowing space for rest, renewal, reflection on life’s questions, prayer, and attentive listening to one’s own wellbeing and spiritual life.

Retreat ministry, Christian spirituality, contemplative prayer, and spiritual direction in Finland are supported by Friends of Silence (Hiljaisuuden Ystävät), an ecumenically minded association rooted in the confession of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.

Light in the Midst of Darkness | Silent Retreat in Honkiniemi 27–29 November 2026

In the twilight of late November, nature has already fallen silent. The days are short, and the cycle of the year invites us, too, to pause, rest, and listen.

On the first weekend of Advent, 27–29 November 2026, we will gather at Honkiniemi for a silent retreat to seek the light that shines in the midst of darkness. The retreat offers an opportunity to leave everyday busyness behind for a while, rest in God’s presence, and allow silence to speak.

The message of the First Sunday of Advent reminds us of hope: the light comes into the world, and the darkness cannot overcome it.

Elements of the Silent Retreat

After settling into the new surroundings on Friday evening and going through practical arrangements, we will be introduced to silence. After that, we will no longer converse with one another.

The elements of our retreat are the same as in all silent retreats: a commitment to silence, shared prayer services and worship, shared meals, and reflection talks/meditation sessions. Each retreat participant is free to follow their own needs and may choose whether or not to participate in the shared activities.

During the weekend, there will be an opportunity to take part in guided Silent Yoga® sessions on Friday evening and Sunday morning, as well as a guided short pilgrimage walk on Saturday afternoon.

It is also possible to arrange a brief conversation with one of the retreat leaders if there is something on your mind that you would like to share.

Let us leave minute-by-minute schedules behind in everyday life. The simplicity of the retreat and its close connection with nature can help us find joy, peace, and presence, God willing. A more detailed daily programme will be provided on site at the beginning of the retreat.

Venue, Price and Registration

Honkiniemi Camp and Nature Centre is located on the shore of Lake Ähtärinjärvi (Honkiniementie 150, 63700 Ähtäri). If you wish, you can familiarize yourself with the centre in advance at luontoleirikeskus.fi.

Participants are responsible for their own transportation to Honkiniemi. Accommodation in single rooms is available from 5:00 p.m. on Friday. The retreat begins with an information session and dinner at 6:00 p.m., and concludes on Sunday by 2:30 p.m.

The price of the retreat is €150 per person and includes accommodation in a single room, all meals, and the programme.

Registration by 13 November 2026.

At Hyllykallio Parish Hall on Sundays at 5 pm, join us for Taizé chants and prayers in silence.

You are warmly welcome to embrace the seven blessings, guiding values, and key themes of a pilgrim’s journey: simplicity, spirituality, unhurriedness, silence, freedom from worry, freedom, and sharing.