The Nativity of Christ as the Deification of the Human Person

Speaker: Bishop Damaskinos

Introduction

“Christmas means a holiday of traditions, rest, peace and togetherness for many people. But it also has a much deeper meaning: it is the feast of God becoming human and, through this, the renewal of all humankind. It reminds us of our opportunity to grow ever closer to God through ascetic practice. This requires effort and humility and, above all, steadfast trust in God, anchoring ourselves to this eternal and unshakable rock,” Bishop Damaskinos has said in his introduction to the lecture.

Bishop Damaskinos of Haapsalu of the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church is the head of the Holy Monastery of the Fathers of the Holy Mountain in Kirikla. He was tonsured as a monk at the Xenophontos Monastery on Mount Athos, and is thus able to continue the thousand-year tradition of Mount Athos spirituality here in Estonia. Bishop Damaskinos holds a doctorate in theology. In addition to his episcopal duties, he currently works at the University of Eastern Finland, where he teaches systematic and patristic theology. He is also a visiting lecturer in patristics, bioethics and ascetic theology at the Theological Institute of the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church, and an adjunct professor of patristics at the University of Helsinki.

Pricing information
Admission: €12/8/25

Transfer Tallinn–Arvo Pärt Centre–Tallinn

Book a transfer from Tallinn to Laulasmaa. A vehicle departs Tallinn at 13:45 from the car park next to Solaris, at Teatri väljak 1 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/hZtKVPPjfFL3dj3q6), and stops at 14:00 at the Haabersti Circle K car park (Paldiski mnt 106)*. It arrives at the Arvo Pärt Centre 25 minutes before the event starts. The return journey leaves the centre car park 15 minutes after the event ends and takes you back to the original meeting point.

The round-trip price is €20 per person. Sales close 48 hours before the event starts. Service provided by PremiumTaxi.

*Another pick-up point may be arranged by agreement by writing to info@arvopart.ee.

Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged.