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 practice 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.