Psalmists attending this momentous event were: Mary W. Horkoff, Fred A. Horkoff, John Harasemow, Mary Harasemow, Nina Hoodikoff, Mabel Novokshonoff, Christina Medvedeff, Leonard Markin, Fred Legebokoff, Elizabeth Legebokoff, Polly Nevokshonoff, Helen Kinakin, Mary Chernenkoff, Marion Demosky, Vera Podmoroff, Margaret Boulin, Katie Podmoroff, Nettie Ostrikoff, Briane Verigin, Anne Verigin, Nick Nevokshonoff, Edna Saprikin, Alex Chernoff, Elizaveta Makortoff, Fred Makortoff, Nina Jmieff, Mike Jmieff.

These specific psalms were orally preserved by the Doukhobors from the inception of the social movement and preserved in the Living Book. They are dedicated to specific occasions ranging from births to weddings to funerals. When sung with spiritual intensity, they produce what is known as Soul Communion among the participants, a meditative rhapsody which results in spiritual tranquillity.

In modern times, this practise has been less pronounced, and the intention of the Discovery Centre is to record these orations in high quality format while practitioners still exist.

The Doukhobor Discovery Centre has been recording and videoing rehearsals of the groups within their own venues for the past several months. The event this Saturday brings the three groups together, so in addition to their own unique selections, they will perform several numbers together. The entire enterprise will be presented to the public during Heritage Week, February 24th at 3:00 PM, at the Grand Forks USCC Cultural Centre.

This project will be preserved with the production of a two CD set containing the collection of psalms. Future plans include a DVD documenting the entire project including the public performance when sufficient funding is obtained.

This project is made possible by the assistance of the Leon & Thea Koerner Foundation of Vancouver and by the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance.