The following article is reproduced from the Calgary Sun, January 27, 2008:

Doukhobor prayers keep tradition alive
Moleniyes held monthly in Calgary

Graeme Morton, Calgary Herald
Published: Sunday, January 27, 2008

By 1908, the majority of that colony opted to pull up stakes and buy land in southern B.C. Towns like Castlegar and Grand Forks became the heartland for the Doukhobor people.

In 1915, a smaller colony of about 300 Doukhobors was established around Lundbreck, in southwestern Alberta. It acted as a midpoint between the grain fields of the Saskatchewan colonies and the large B.C. population and eventually included a large Doukhobor-run flour mill.

Stoochnoff grew up around Lundbreck while Tarasoff was born near Mossleigh, southeast of Calgary. Both endured being a shunned minority in a sea of Anglo-Canadian culture.

"There were maybe five or six Doukhobor kids in the area, so we got piled on," says Stoochnoff, "but it was still a good life, it made you stronger."

The Lundbreck Doukhobor colony eventually dispersed as pioneers died and their children moved away, some to Calgary.

A prayer hall still exists in the village, a building followers hope will get heritage status.

Tarasoff says it's unfortunate many people still associate Doukhobors with the past actions of the Freedomites, a small faction that drew national attention with nude protests and acts of arson in B.C. as late as the 1960s.

Tarasoff notes that despite their modest numbers, Doukhobors continue to play important roles in Canadian peace movements.

"The pursuit of peace is central to everything in our lives," says Tarasoff.

"Christ rejected violence; he taught us to turn the other cheek and to love your neighbours."

Link to original article: http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=7a633...