From whisky to wood: Finnish monks turn to forestry to cover pandemic losses

Father Andreas, responsible for the whiskey and wine production, visits the whiskey cellar of the Orthodox Christian monastery Valamo, in Uusi-Valamo, Heinavesi, Finland. When the orthodox monks of Valamo monastery fled to a new home in Finland during World War 2, they made a decision which proved an economic lifeline during the pandemic: to buy up swathes of forest. – Photo: AFP

The Orthodox monastery of Valamo in Finland usually receives around 160,000 visitors a year, many from Europe and Russia who come to experience the peaceful surroundings and expansive orthodox library, as well as the country's largest whisky distillery.

But with the coronavirus pandemic, "we've had far fewer guests," leading to a loss of donations and tourist income, says Father Mikael, sporting a beard, black hat and robe.