The following article is taken from Castlegar News, May 12, 2009.
Doukhobors set for yearly gathering
By Francisco Canjura - Castlegar News
Published: May 12, 2009 5:00 PM
The Doukhobor community will host the 62 annual USCC Union of Youth Festival at the Brilliant Cultural Centre May 16 to May 18.
This year’s theme is, “A Living Legacy: Roots of Our Heritage Wings of Our Future.”
Audrey Repin, parent liason, said a display will be shown in the basement of the Brilliant Cultural Centre commemorating John J. Verigin Sr.
Repin said items such as Verigin’s various medals and awards will be on display along with personal items such as, his baseball uniform and glove — he was an avid baseball fan and player.
Repin said this is an opportunity for the community to see some of Verigin’s things they may not have seen before.
As well, various choir groups from B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan will come to Castlegar to participate in this event and will share their performances with the community at large.
The grand opening will get underway at 10 a.m. the introduction will be followed by a psalm till noon which will be followed by lunch and choir performances for most of the afternoon.
“The Vision of Peace Youth Choir will be performing, the all-Canadian Doukhobor choir will be singing, among others through out the weekend,” said Repin.
On May 16 at 7 p.m. a variety of performances will take place at the Brilliant Cultural Centre.
Repin recommends people purchase advance tickets at the Brilliant Cultural Centre for this evening performance, tickets are $18 per person.
This will be the only performance of the weekend for which tickets will have to be purchased, said Repin.
May 17 will start with a typical prayer meeting, which they are hoping can take place outside at 9 a.m.
After the prayer service more performances will take place inside the Brilliant Cultural Centre.
“We’re inviting everyone from the community. It’s an opportunity for you to see what the Doukhobor culture has to offer,” Repin said.
Celebrations will finish on May 18 with a sports day filled with baseball games and other sorts of fun activities for young and old.