Growing number of young Finns drawn to monastic life
Growing number of young Finns drawn to monastic life

At the dazzling white Valamo monastery in southeastern Finland, the monks have just finished breakfast and are getting to work.

Their numbers here have grown, with the brotherhood almost doubling from 10 to 18 monks in the last few years, part of a wider trend that has surprised experts.

Christianity and conservatism have been winning over young men in what is a predominantly secular and progressive country.