June 27th saw the 109th commemoration of Petrov Dien - Peter’s Day, so-called because the great Arms’ Burning of 1895 was under the planning and instigation of Peter V. Verigin.. Traditionally held on June 28th, it has now been moved to the nearest Sunday in order to accommodate as many participants as possible.

Presented by The Canadian Doukhobor Society at the Doukhobor Village Museum, it is a yearly event that transcends not only all Doukhobors of various factions, but all of humanity as well, as noted by John J. Verigin, one of the many guest speakers in the afternoon program.

Though the day began damp and soggy, which necessitated the move for prayers from Peter’s tomb to the Brilliant Hall, a large attendance participated in the remembrance prayers led by CDS President Alex Wishlow.

Refreshments were in order, and were soon enjoyed as a bountiful pot luck lunch unfolded when events switched to the Doukhobor Village Museum for the rest of the day’s program under sunny skies and a shady tented venue.

Now it was Alex Ewashen’s turn as emcee and Past President of the CDS to present a varied afternoon program focussed on remembrance and peace.

After a welcome by Bob Ewashen, President of the Kootenay Doukhobor Historical Society, a beginning oration was proclaimed by Larry Ewashen, Curator of the Village, which was an eulogy to Peter Verigin written by friend and business associate Max Baskin, which included an inspirational poem concluding with the appropriate tribute: ‘You have died our leader, but your spark has left a strong will lift lovingly your great brotherly standard.’

Left: Prayers begin the ceremony

After a reverent moment of silence in honour of Peter V. Verigin’s memory, the program began, featuring local performers and choirs. Alex Atamenenko sang two beautiful peace songs in Russian, Serge Plotnikoff presented some of his own compositions, the Creston Choir performed several numbers, which also featured emcee Alex Ewashen in a stirring rendition of traditional, melancholy folk song. All was interspersed with enthusiastic congregational numbers which enabled everyone to feel involved in this sad but inspiring remembrance of the most significant event in the Doukhobors’ proclamation of non-violence and peace.

The Ewashen brothers brought the afternoon to a conclusion with a spirited rendition of a Russian anti-war song, and led the entire congregation of nearly one hundred in a final version of Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream, the famous Canadian peace anthem written by Ed McCurdy.

But there was more to come - while some wended their way home, to family, friends, and the near by Doukhobor Village Restaurant, others remained to partake of an informal light hearted folk song session led by Serge Plotnikoff and Alex Wishlow.

Long live The Strangest Dream, the elusive dream of peace and harmony, and long live Petrov Dien, an enduring remembrance of the Doukhobor struggle for Toil and Peaceful Life!