Update - Origin and Meaning of Molokan Surnames

This encyclopaedic glossary has been updated to include the origin and meaning of an additional five surnames that occurred historically among the Molokans including: Artishchev, Fedotov, Moskalev, Rudakov, Seryaev. Among the Molokans, these surnames occurred only in Russia.

Columbia Basin Trust Gives $200K for Brilliant Bridge Restoration

On May 7, the Columbia basin Trust announced a $200,000 commitment to the restoration of the Brilliant Suspension Bridge, noting its historic link to the local Doukhobor heritage and culture.  The contribution is a huge boost towards helping the Brilliant Suspension Bridge Restoration Committee reach its fundraising target of $750,000.

Doukhobor Discovery Centre Celebrates 37th Seasonal Opening

With the theme of the 100th commemoration of the Doukhobor move to BC, the Doukhobor Discovery Centre celebrated it's 37th season on April 27.  Highlights included the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada official unveiling of the Doukhobor Suspension Bridge, and the participation of the Psalmist's Ensemble. Read this Press Release for more information.

Spring Name Commemorates Doukhobors of Petrofka

A spring near Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan has been officially named to commemorate the Doukhobor settlers of Petrofka village. Read this Press Release to learn more about how Petrofka Spring, the name proposed by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff, was officially approved by the Saskatchewan Geographic Names Board.

National Historic Significance of Doukhobor Suspension Bridge Commemorated

Parks Canada unveiled a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque honouring the Doukhobor Suspension Bridge as a site of national historic significance. A ceremony was held on the grounds of the Doukhobor Discovery Centre in Castlegar, British Columbia. This recognition will help Canadians better appreciate this important chapter in Canada's history.

Update - Doukhobor Place Names Database

The Doukhobor Place Names Database has been updated to include the following entries: South Kylemore School (Kylemore, SK); Dunree School (Shouldice, AB); LaSalle School (Mossleigh, AB); Outlook School (Grand Forks, BC); Spencer School (Grand Forks, BC); Carson School (Carson, BC).  Entries contain toponymic, historical and geographic data.

Update - Origin and Meaning of Doukhobor Surnames

This encyclopaedic glossary has been updated to include the origin and meaning of an additional 13 surnames that occurred historically among the Doukhobors including: Alekseev, Barbin, Bychkov, Fedorov, Kobzenko, Kolbov, Kolesnik, Kuchaev, Malen'kov, Nikiforov, Rybkin, Sanin, Varakin.

Update - Doukhobor Place Names Database

The Doukhobor Place Names Database has been updated to include the following entries: Grand Forks, BC; Castlegar, BC; Waterloo, BC; Thrums, BC; Tarrys, BC; Glade, BC; Shoreacres, BC; Crescent Valley, BC; Lebahdo, BC; Winlaw, BC; Perry Siding, BC: Creston, BC. Entries contain toponymic, historical and geographic data.

Doukhobor Session - Canadian Council of Archives - Archives & You Conference 2008

Jonathan J. Kalmakoff will be leading a plenary session on "Researching Your Russian Doukhobor Roots" at the 2008 Archives & You conference held by the Canadian Council of Archives at the Regina Inn in Regina, Saskatchewan on May 24-25, 2008.  Find out about the Doukhobor session, the conference program, registration, accommodations and more.

Update - Doukhobor Place Names Database

The Doukhobor Place Names Database has been updated to include the following entries: Benito, MB; Arran, SK; Pelly, SK; Kamsack, SK; Canora, SK; Buchanan, SK; Kylemore, SK; Watson, SK; Blaine Lake, SK; Langham, SK; Arrowwood, AB; Cowley, AB; Lundbreck, AB; Mossleigh, AB. Entries contain toponymic, historical and geographic data.

Hardy Mountain Doukhobor Village Historic Site - 2008 Report

The following update by W.J. Fofonoff details the 2008 restoration activities at Hardy Mountain Doukhobor Village, a 16.9 acre property containing what remains of the historic Makortoff Doukhobor Village. Built on a knoll overlooking the junction of the Kettle and Granby River valleys, the village is located one kilometre west of Grand Forks, British Columbia.

Kylemore, SK - Historical Doukhobor Tour - June 30, 2008

A historical tour of the Doukhobor settlements in Kylemore and district, Saskatchewan is planned for June 30, 2008.  This is the fourth in a series of annual tours sponsored by the National Doukhobor Heritage Village.  Learn more about participating and contributing to this historic settlement tour through the sharing of pictures, family stories, information, etc.

'Edifice & Us' Documentary Series - Flash Streaming Video Added Online

An 8.59 minute Flash streaming video excerpt of Edifice & Us is now available online. The full half-hour episode entitled "Home of the Spirit Wrestlers" featuring the Doukhobor Prayer Home in Veregin, Saskatchewan premiers on the Saskatchewan Communication Network (SCN) on Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at 8:30 p.m. and again on Thursday, April 3 at midnight.

Update - Origin and Meaning of Doukhobor Surnames

This encyclopaedic glossary has been updated to include the origin and meaning of an additional 16 surnames that occurred historically among the Doukhobors including: Bogatyrev, Burlin, Erin, Fetisov, Kakhov, Khramtsov, Lyubimov, Mordovin, Novosil'tsov, Rozhnov, Shul'gin, Smagin, Suslov, Tarabukin, Vypov, Zapasnoy.

Kootenay Region - Doukhobor Centennial Celebrations - April 26th & 27th, 2008

The following is a calendar of special events in the Kootenay region being held on April 26-27, 2008 to commemorate the centennial of the Doukhobor migration from Saskatchewan to British Columbia, 1908-2008.  Events include an evening supper and cultural celebration, community fundraiser, traditional prayer service and the official opening of the Doukhobor Discovery Centre.

Russian Studies in History - Special Russian Sectarian Issue

The journal Russian Studies in History has published a special issue devoted to Russian sectarian history. In its Winter 2007 issue (Volume 46, Issue 3) entitled “Russian Religious Sectarianism”, it features articles by world-acclaimed scholars (Nicholas Breyfogle, Svetlana Inikova, Iuliia Argudiaeva and Irina Dolzhenko dedicated to Doukhobors and Molokans.

Doukhobor Content Added to Wikipedia

A substantial amount of Doukhobor-related content has recently been added to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, making it a potentially helpful source of general information on the Russian religious movement. The following is a review of the six full-length articles presently available, details about Wikipedia, and the pros and cons of using Wikipedia as a research resource.

Doukhobor Article Published in Onomastica Canadiana

The article "Frequency of Doukhobor Names in Saskatchewan in 1905" by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff has been published in the scholarly journal Onomastica Canadiana (89-2, December 2007). It examines the frequency of men's names, women's names and surnames found among 9,188 Doukhobors living in Saskatchewan in 1905.  Click here to read article in website format.

Spencer Area of 'Ubezhishche", British Columbia

In 1909, Community Doukhobors from Saskatchewan purchased 550 acres of land along July Creek in the Spencer district of British Columbia. They named the area Ubezhishche, from the Russian for “refuge” or “hideaway”. The following article written by Mike Zibin of Grand Forks, British Columbia describes his early memories of Ubezhishche in the Thirties and Forties.

Doukhobor Prayer Home Featured in 'Edifice & Us' Documentary Series

The Doukhobor Prayer Home in Veregin, Saskatchewan is featured in an upcoming episode of Edifice & Us, a television documentary that explores Saskatchewan through the architectural heritage of the province. The half-hour episode, entitled “Home of the Spirit Wrestlers”, premiers on the Saskatchewan Communication Network (SCN) on Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at 8:30 p.m.

Update - Doukhobor Place Names Database

The Doukhobor Place Names Database has been updated to include the following entries: Brilliant Terrace Park; Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park; Lois Hole Memorial Gardens; Lois Hole Park; Petrofka Recreation Site; Verigin's Memorial Gardens; Zuckerberg Island; Zuckerberg Island Heritage Park. Entries contain toponymic, historical and geographic data.

Update - Links

New links to interesting and useful websites: Mir Slovari - Slovar' Russkikh Familii; Celebrating Saskatchewan's Heritage; Atlas of Alberta Railways; Trails in Time - A Castlegar Trail Guide; CPR Station Museum - Castlegar, BC; Alexander Palace - Russian History Websites; Lost Lost Drazdoffs (blog); and more.

Update - Doukhobor Place Names Database

The Doukhobor Place Names Database has been updated to include over ninety-nine Doukhobor cemetery entries in Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.  Each entry contains toponymic and historical information as well as geographic coordinates and links to cemetery transcriptions. Search by name, type, alphabetically and geographically.

New Book: Leo Tolstoy and Russian Peasant Sectarian Writers

Edited by Andrew Donskov, this new 298-page book by the Slavic Research Group presents selected letters between Tolstoy and four peasant writers: the Molokan philosopher Fedor Zheltov, the Doukhobor leader Peter Vasil'evich Verigin, the Sabbatarian [Subbotnik] Timofej Bondarev and Mikhail Novikov. Released March 2008. Find out more here.

Update - Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project

The following Doukhobor cemetery has been transcribed and is now online. Learn about its location, history, physical layout, driving directions and details with respect to burials: Krestova Cemetery.  Learn more about the Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project, and how you can contribute to this worthwhile heritage activity.

The Doukhobor Homestead Crisis, 1898-1907

This research article by Kathlyn (Katya) Szalasznyj examines the complicated events leading to the Doukhobor homestead crisis in Saskatchewan in 1898-1907, which resulted in divisions among Doukhobors over land ownership, the break-up of the Doukhobor Community, and the cancellation of hundreds of thousands of acres of Doukhobor homesteads. 

Update - Origin and Meaning of Molokan Surnames

This encyclopaedic glossary has been updated to include the origin and meaning of an additional six surnames that occurred historically among the Molokans including: Cherny, Gridnev, Konchakov, Pichugin, Puzikov, Shishlyannikov. Among the Molokans, these surnames occurred only in Russia.

New Link - Doukhobor-Russian Reflections

By Florence Chernoff-Lymburner. The following gallery contains 45 images of original Doukhobor-Russian art, depicting their culture, heritage, and spirit. The artist, Florence Chernoff-Lymburner, a Doukhobor born and raised in Grand Forks, British Columbia, has been featured in exhibits across Canada and the United States.

Publications

Copies of genealogical reference books by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff are available for sale: 1853 Tax Register of Doukhobors in the Caucasus; 1918 Independent Doukhobor Census; and 1930 Names Doukhobors of Canada, Saskatchewan Membership List. Coming soon: Doukhobor Ship Passenger Lists (2nd Edition); Doukhobors in the 1911 Canada Census.

Doukhobor Culture at a Crossroads

Aging order faces choices, but what to do: market a culture to preserve it, or live it? Reproduced from the pages of the Vancouver Sun (July 27, 2002) this article reveals the forces of cultural change among the Doukhobors of the British Columbia interior. Will they adapt to the world on their own terms or pass from the landscape like a barn falling to its knees?

Update - Index of Doukhobors in the WWII Canadian Forces

This listing has been updated to include the surname, name, address, force and enlistment details for an additional 17 Doukhobor WWII servicemen for a total of 218.  Names include: Fofonoff, Koochin, Podmoroff, Sherstabetoff (Mossleigh, AB); Chernoff, Esawoloff, Morosoff, Popoff, Zbetnoff, Zeeben (Yorkton, SK); Bonderoff, Holobow, Kazakoff, Popoff (Wadena, SK). 

The Colony: Anastasia's Village, Shouldice, Alberta

The following article by William Anatooskin recounts life in Anastasia F. Holoboff's communal settlement near Shouldice, Alberta, known as the Lordly Christian Community of Universal Brotherhood, or simply "The Colony".  It contains a detailed listing of the families who lived there, along with the relative location of each household.

New Israel Religious Movement - Russian Museum at San Javier, Uruguay

In the early twentieth century, thousands of members of the New Israel religious movement fled Russia for South America to escape persecution and establish a community based on their beliefs. Today, almost a century later, their descendants struggle to maintain their Russian heritage. The following is an appeal for assistance for their museum at San Javier, Uruguay.

New Israel: Transformation of a Branch of Russian Religious Dissent

The following article by Sergey Petrov examines the origins and history of New Israel, a small religious movement of Spiritual Christians that emerged in Russia in the late nineteenth century. It investigates the many similarities between New Israel and another Spiritual Christian group, the Doukhobors, who were a significant influence on the movement.

Doukhobor Discovery Centre Heritage Project

On February 24th the Doukhobor Discovery Centre unveiled its Heritage Week Project at the USCC Cultural Centre in Grand Forks, BC. The psalmist project involved the recording of three different psalmist groups, with joint rehearsals of the groups followed by a public performance to an enthusiastic audience. Future plans include a CD collection. Read more here.

Memories of Orchards and Raspberries at Raspberry Village, British Columbia

In 1932, Community Doukhobors established a village settlement across the Columbia River from Castlegar, British Columbia. Situated near a large communal raspberry plantation, they named it Malinvoye, meaning “raspberry” in Russian. The following article by William M. Rozinkin examines the history of the community known today as Raspberry, British Columbia.

New Book Explores Lawlor's Island Quarantine Station

A new book has been published about the Lawlor's Island Quarantine Station. Quarantine: What is Old is New: Halifax and the Lawlor's Island Quarantine Station, 1866-1938 by Dr. Ian A. Cameron examines its history, connection to the Doukhobors, and importance to Canada's medical, immigration and maritime history. Read this release to find out more.

Two New Doukhobor Historical Designations

The Historic Sites and Monuments Board has designated Doukhobor leader Peter Vasilyevich Verigin as a person of National Historic Significance, and the Migration of the Doukhobors to British Columbia as an event of National Historic Significance.  This announcement culminates several years of lobbying efforts by Doukhobor Discovery Centre curator Larry Ewashen.

Doukhobor Prayers Keep Tradition Alive

In 1915, a small 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. In this Calgary Sun article, Graeme Morton meets their few remaining descendants in the area, who struggle to keep their tradition alive.

The B.C. Pen's Graveyard Secrets

Not much is left of the federal penitentiary at New Westminster, less still of the thousands of men who served time there for murder, rape, theft and drug-dealing. About four dozen, including five Doukhobor inmates, however, are still there, in a forgotten graveyard called Boot Hill. In this Vancouver Sun article, Randy Shore recounts how their names were nearly lost forever.

Blowin' in the Wind

Photography is more than just a profession for Calgary Sun columnist Mike Drew. It's also his passion, equalled only by his love of the outdoors. But when he drove out of Calgary one afternoon looking for birds and wildlife to photograph, the last thing he expected to find was an abandoned Doukhobor settlement on the road between Arrowwood and Shouldice, Alberta.

Update - Origin and Meaning of Molokan Surnames

This encyclopaedic glossary has been updated to include the origin and meaning of an additional six surnames that occurred historically among the Molokans including: Druzhinin, Kurteev, Lepekhin, Leshtaev, Nesterenko and Sychev.

The Doukhobors in Malyi Snezhetok

Today in the Pervomaysky district of Tambov, Russia, one hundred and four Doukhobor immigrants from Georgia have obtained permanent residence. Half of them – under the Russian Federation's state program for the resettlement of Russian compatriots. Russian journalist Evgeny Pisarev examines their arrival from the perspective of the local Tambov population.  

Update - Doukhobor Marriages Registered in British Columbia, 1909-1932

This listing has been updated to include the groom's name, bride's name, place, date, registration number and microfilm number of 27 Doukhobor marriages registered in British Columbia in 1932. Compiled by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff from records from the British Columbia Marriage Registration Index.

Doukhobor Session - Canadian Council of Archives - Archives & You Conference 2008

Jonathan J. Kalmakoff will be leading a plenary session on "Researching Your Russian Doukhobor Roots" at the 2008 Archives & You conference held by the Canadian Council of Archives at the Regina Inn in Regina, Saskatchewan on May 24-25, 2008.  Find out about the Doukhobor session, the conference program, registration, accomodations and more.

(Re)Reading BC's Doukhobor Cultural Landscape

In British Columbia, the Community Doukhobors under Peter ‘Lordly’ Verigin created a cultural landscape that reflected their communal agrarian values. Carl J. Tracie examines the role of spatial and spiritual factors that weakened and finally undermined the economic survival of the Community and eventually resulted in the disintegration of their unique cultural landscape.

Update - Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project

The following Doukhobor cemeteries have been transcribed and are now online. Learn about their location, history, physical layout, driving directions and details with respect to burials: Arkhangel'skoye Cemetery, Perekhodnoye Cemetery, Pelly district, SK; Khutor Cemetery, Veregin district, SK; Trudolyubovoye Cemetery, Runnymede district, SK; Riverhill (Spasovka) Cemetery, Old Spasovka Cemetery, Blaine Lake district, SK (updated).

Doukhobors in Hilliers, British Columbia

In 1947, Sons of Freedom leader Michael "the Archangel" Verigin and 70 of his followers established a 320 acre communal colony at Hilliers, British Columbia. The following article by present property owner Richard de Condole briefly examines the history of the controversial Hilliers Doukhobor colony to the present.

More Georgian Doukhobors Move to Tambov

54 more Doukhobors have recently relocated from the village of Gorelovka in the Republic of Georgia to the Pervomayskiy district of Tambov province, Russia as part of a state-sponsored program to voluntarily repatriate Russians residing in former Soviet republics.  Another 500 Georgian Doukhobors await official clearance to join them. Read more in this special release.

New Link - This Moment Events

Visit the new website hosted by Doukhobor Sara Kinakin. This Moment Events is committed to the production of global events that inspire while building & strengthening communities through the sharing of wisdom stories that celebrate the linking of generations and cultures across time and space. Doukhobor content with a global focus.

National Heritage Doukhobor Village, Veregin, SK - 2008 Annual Meeting

The National Heritage Doukhobor Village at Veregin, Saskatchewan will be holding its Annual 2008 General Meeting on January 27, 2008. The agenda items will include scheduling and selection of 2008 events as well as the election of a new Board. Everyone is welcome to attend!

A Tale of Two Giants Bound by Pacifism

Sixty years ago this month, history's most famous pacifist, Mahatma Gandhi, was felled by an act of senseless violence.  Yet while his life and message of non-violence are well known, his philosophy's genesis in the writings of Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy is largely forgotten. In this Toronto Star Sun article, Daniel A. Cohen examines a tale of two giants bound by pacifism.

Update - Links

New links to interesting and useful websites: Arrow Lakes Historical Society; The International Selikirk Loop; The Kootenay Rockies; Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History; Vanishing British Columbia; Google Maps; Maplandia; and more.

Doukhobor Novel Does More than Tell a Good Story

In this Vancouver Sun article, Robert J. Wiersama reviews the new Doukhobor historical novel, "Svoboda" by Bill Stenson.  He observes that Stenson's novel does more than tell a good story; it is an important work, a moving piece of fiction that not only casts light on a largely forgotten aspect of our history but also brings into focus our actions and attitudes today.

New Stories Link - Peace Dividend

After the Cold War, Leo Tolstoy’s country estate fell into disrepair, until salvation came from a distant relative and a Christian pacifist sect. This CNN Traveller article by Alfred Kueppers examines the history and present state of Yasnaya Polyana in Tula, Russia. Photos by Swiatoslaw Wojtkowiak.

New Link - USCC Doukhobor Website

Visit the great new website hosted by the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ (USCC) Doukhobors of the beautiful Kootenay Boundary region of south-central British Columbia! Contains an exciting array of multimedia sections about the Doukhobors, USCC information, special events, places of interest, links and contact information.

Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ - Special Events in 2008

The following is following is a calendar of special 2008 events hosted by the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ (USCC) Doukhobors in the cities of Castlegar and Grand Forks, British Columbia and surrounding localities. Everyone is welcome!

Doukhobor Cultural Society of Saskatchewan - 2008 Annual Conference

Everyone is welcome to attend the Annual Conference of the Doukhobor Cultural Society of Saskatchewan (DCSS) February 22-24, 2007 at the Manitou Springs Resort & Mineral Spa located at Manitou Beach, near the Town of Watrous, Saskatchewan. The theme of this year's Conference is "Faith and its Sustainability" and will include a number of presenters.

- 2007 -

New Russian Book Chronicles the Doukhobors

A new book has been published in Russian about the Doukhobors. Strana Dukhoboriya by Alla Bezhentseva was published in Tbilisi, Georgia by Russkii Klub in late 2007. The English translation of the title is “Land of the Doukhobors”. To find out more about this publication, and how to download a PDF copy, read the following release. 

Arrival of the First Group of Doukhobors in Ootischenia, British Columbia, 1908

In 1908, the Doukhobors purchased vast tracts of land in the Kootenay region of British Columbia. They first settled at Waterloo, an abandoned mining camp on the Columbia River which Doukhobor leader Peter “Lordly” Verigin renamed Ootischenia. Among the first group of settlers was William A. Fominoff. The following is his account of their historic arrival.

Doukhobor Dugout House - Special Events in 2008

The following is a listing of upcoming events at the Doukhobor Dugout House historic site near Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan in 2008, which include: Doukhobor wedding re-enactments and renewals, Dedushka Day in honour of our grandfathers, site tours, and more. Everyone is welcome!

Several Characteristics of Doukhobor Society, 1805

In 1805, an unknown “gentleman of the highest respectability” in St. Petersburg, Russia composed a sympathetic exposition of the religious and social teachings of the Dukhobortsy. Translated and published in 1815 by Robert Pinkerton, it contains the earliest systematic account of Doukhobor religious doctrine and provides invaluable historic insights into their faith.

Update - Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project

The following Doukhobor cemetery transcriptions have been updated to include new and unmarked burials: Bogdanovka (Cee Pee) Cemetery, Kirilowka Cemetery & Pakrowka (Henrietta) Cemetery, Langham district, SK; Chursinoff Cemetery, Mikado district, SK; USCC (Sion) Cemetery, Grand Forks, BC; Brilliant Cemetery, Brilliant, BC; Ootischenia Cemetery, Ootischenia, BC; Porto Rico Cemetery, Porto Rico, BC; Gilpin Cemetery (No. 2), Gilpin, BC.

Index of Doukhobor Border Crossings from Mexico to USA, 1903-1950

This is an index of border crossings by 38 Doukhobors from Mexico into Texas, USA in transit to Canada between 1903 and 1950. Information includes full name, age, birth date, birthplace, permanent residence, port of arrival and destination. Includes six delegations investigating lands in Mexico for Doukhobor resettlement in 1924, 1929, 1930 and 1931.

Early Memories of Hills, British Columbia

In 1929-1934, eight Independent Doukhobor families from Saskatchewan established a farming hamlet at Hill Siding in the Slocan Valley of British Columbia. Other families of different backgrounds followed, and it soon became a busy lumber village. The following article written by the late George P. Markin (1905-1975) describes some of his early memories of Hills.

The Molokan Arrival in Manitoba, 1905

In 1905, a group of 160 Molokans from Kars, Russia arrived in Winnipeg, Manitoba seeking land in the Canadian West to settle on and farm. They aroused widespread interest and curiosity among city residents, and received a hearty welcome from local Doukhobors and Russian émigrés. The account of their stay in Manitoba is taken from the Manitoba Free Press.

Doukhobor Article Published in Saskatchewan History

The article "The Hyas Doukhobor Settlement" by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff has been published in the latest edition of the prestigious journal Saskatchewan History (Winter 2007 Issue, Volume 59, Number 2). It traces the history of a virtually unknown Doukhobor village and offers a new perspective on Independent Doukhobor settlement. Click here to read article in website format.

Update - Origin and Meaning of Doukhobor Surnames

This encyclopaedic glossary has been updated to include the origin and meaning of an additional 19 surnames that occurred historically among the Doukhobors including: Baranov, Dmitriev, Gibanov, Klement'ev, Kondrashev, Kozodoev, Kudryatsev, Lepekhin, Men'shagin, Neronov, Okovantsev, Perevalov, Perov, Pimenov, Shalimov, Shenyakin, Sukhodolin, Yarovenko, Zamyatin.

My Father, A Doukhobor?

For many years, Terry Terichow was unaware of his ancestral roots. Growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, he was taught that he was Irish and Norwegian – his mother’s nationality – and that his father was a Turk. Then, on a fateful trip to British Columbia in 1970 to visit distant relatives, he discovered a hidden family secret. His father was a Doukhobor! Read about his story here.

The Novgorod Doukhobor Elder, 1796

In his autobiography, Russian writer and thinker Alexander Ivanovich Herzen relates the story of a Novogorod Doukhobor elder who in 1796, when summoned before the soon to be crowned Tsar Paul (1754-1801), refused to doff his cap. For his impertinence, the insecure and unstable Tsar had the unfortunate Doukhobor immediately exiled and imprisoned.

Update - Origin and Meaning of Molokan Surnames

This encyclopaedic glossary has been updated to include the origin and meaning of an additional 40 surnames that occurred historically among the Molokans including: Antipov, Arinin, Babakov, Baranov, Boldin, Burov, Vetrov, Glazov, Goryanov, Gritsik, Drachev, Zheltkov, Kazeev, Korolev, Kastryulin, Kasymsky, Kudelin, Kuksov, Kucherov, Lazev, Lebeshev, Legenko, Lobachev, Maslov, Nevskov, Neudakhin, Pominov, Poroshin, Radchenko, Soborov, Sosin, Strekalov, Tikunov, Tyrnov, Uvarov, Ushakov, Fomichev, Khynikin, Shemelev, Shnyakin.

Update - Doukhobor Marriages Registered in British Columbia, 1909-1931

This listing has been updated to include the groom's name, bride's name, place, date, registration number and microfilm number of 24 Doukhobor marriages registered in British Columbia in 1931. Compiled by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff from records from the British Columbia Marriage Registration Index.

The Mounted Police and the Doukhobors in Saskatchewan, 1899-1909

In documenting Mounted Police confrontations with the Doukhobors during their first decade in Saskatchewan, from 1899 to 1909, historian Carl Betke demonstrates how the disruptive activities of a minority of the Doukhobor immigrants were handled gently and tolerantly in order to assure the agricultural production of a massive number of effective farmers.

Update - Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project

The following Doukhobor cemeteries have been transcribed and are now online. Learn about their location, history, physical layout, driving directions and details with respect to burials: Pass Creek Doukhobor Cemetery, Pass Creek, BC; Doukhobors in the Valley View Cemetery, Agassiz, BC.

The Doukhobors of Georgia

This photo gallery by Agnes Montanari, a French documentary photographer living in Tbilisi contains 41 recent photos of the Doukhobors living in the Republic of Georgia. Includes scenes of Gorelovka village; the Mogilochki; the Peshcherochki; a Moleniye service; Doukhobor agricultural activities; and more.  

Update - Origin and Meaning of Doukhobor Surnames

This encyclopaedic glossary has been updated to include the origin and meaning of an additional 25 surnames that occurred historically among the Doukhobors including: Babanin, Balychev, Bulgakov, Burnashev, Dunaev, Gontarenkov, Kostikov, Mzhachev, Nemakhov, Nikishev, Ordikov, Stangvilov, Starodubtsev, Studenikin, Sulanov, Tsyplakov, Tulikov, Zabrodin, Zdvizhkov, Zhdanov, Zheltenkov, Zhernoklev, Zhilaev, Zlotov, Zvezdilin.

Update - Links

New links to interesting and useful websites: Virtual Saskatchewan Online Magazine; Bill Barry's People, Places; Glenbow Museum; A Guide to Archival Repositories in British Columbia; Travel.bc.ca; ProudGrandparents; and more.

Religion and Tradition in the Cultural Landscape of the Saskatchewan Doukhobors

Like other immigrant groups, the Doukhobors created cultural landscapes on the Prairies that reflected their traditions and values. The following case study by Carl J. Tracie examines the role of religion and tradition in the cultural landscapes of the Doukhobors in the Saskatchewan Colony and in the North and South Colonies of Saskatchewan.

Student Seeks Participants from Across Canada to Broaden Research

Are you interested in Doukhobor pasts, presents, and futures in Canada? Would you like to share your views on the importance that memory has in contemporary visions of Doukhoborism? Learn about University of Toronto Master's student Sonya White's broadened research initiative on Doukhobor memory, history and healing and how you can participate.

Update - Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project

The following Doukhobor cemeteries have been transcribed and are now online. Learn about their location, history, physical layout, driving directions and details with respect to burials: Gromovoe Cemetery, Pelly district, SK; Vosnesenie Cemetery, Arran district, SK; Tikhomirnoe Cemetery, Arran district, SK.

Forced Doukhobor Schooling in British Columbia

In British Columbia, the Doukhobors’ strong communalism and great hesitancy about the larger society, combined with the rigid approach of the provincial government, resulted in decades-long conflict over education. The following article by William Janzen examines the forced schooling of Doukhobors in British Columbia during 1909-1913, 1914-1927 and 1927-1959.

Update - Origin & Meaning of Molokan Surnames - Cyrillic Spellings Added

By popular demand, Russian (Cyrillic) spellings have been added to the over 513 surname entries in the "Origin & Meaning of Molokan Surnames".  This handy reference work is now even more useful, allowing researchers to identify the original spelling of their Molokan surnames as they occur in Russia and Russian-language records.

Update - Doukhobor Ship List Index

The index of Doukhobor Ship Lists has been updated to include the ship name, line, date and port of arrival and departure, number of Doukhobor passengers and microfilm references for the following voyages: SS Umbria (New York, 1904); SS Canada (Quebec, 1911); SS Ionian (Quebec, 1912); SS Royal Edward (Halifax, 1912); SS Antonia (Quebec, 1924); SS Cameronia (Halifax, 1925); SS Arabic (Halifax, 1925); SS Empress of Scotland (Quebec, 1925); SS Western World (New York, 1926); SS Andania (Quebec, 1927); SS Paris (New York, 1928).

Update - Doukhobor Immigrant Ship Descriptions

The index of Doukhobor Immigrant Ship Descriptions has been updated to include entries and pictures of the following eight new ships: SS Paris; SS Andania; SS Western World; SS Umbria; SS Empress of Scotland; SS Antonia; SS Arabic; and SS Cameronia.

Update - Doukhobor Ship Passenger Surname Index

The Ship Passenger Surname Index has been updated to include the following Doukhobor immigrant names: Chivil'deev (SS Paris); Goncharov (SS Andania); Astafurov (SS Ionian #3); Savenkov (SS Royal Edward #2); Dergausov (SS Umbria, SS Western World); Vereshchagin (SS Canada #3); Semenov (SS Empress of Scotland); Popov (SS Antonia, SS Western World); Kabatov (SS Arabic); Gor'kov (SS Cameronia; Strelyaev (SS Cameronia); Kazakov (SS Cameronia); Malakhov (SS Cameronia, SS Western World); Konkin (SS Ausonia #3); Kazakov (SS La Bourdonnais #2); Svetlichnov (SS Western World).

Update - Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project

The following Doukhobor cemetery has been transcribed and is now online. Learn about its location, history, physical layout, driving directions and details with respect to burials: Glade (Plodorodnoe) Doukhobor Cemetery, Glade, BC.

Update - Origin & Meaning of Doukhobor Surnames - Cyrillic Spellings Added

By popular demand, Russian (Cyrillic) spellings have been added to the over 570 surname entries in the "Origin & Meaning of Doukhobor Surnames".  This landmark reference work by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff is now even more useful, allowing researchers to identify the original spelling of their Doukhobor surnames as they occur in Russia and Russian-language records.

Ivan Vladimirovich Lopukhin: His Life and Role in Doukhobor History

The following is a brief biographical sketch of Ivan Vladimirovich Lopukhin (1756-1816), Russian statesman, philosopher, writer, educator and philanthropist. A sympathizer and benefactor of the Doukhobors, he intervened with Tsarist authorities on their behalf and masterminded their resettlement to the Molochnaya region in Tavria. By Jonathan J. Kalmakoff.

More About the History of the Dukhobortsy of Kharkov Province

The following rare, historic account outlines the history of the Dukhoborty of Sloboda-Ukraine (Kharkov) province, Russia, from their exile to Siberia and the Baltic in the 1790's, to their return to Kharkov in 1801 and renewed persecution, to their resettlement to the Molochnaya region in Tavria in 1802. By V.I. Savva, translated by Vera Kanigan and Jack McIntosh.

New Doukhobor Historical Novel - "Svoboda" by Bill Stenson

Langford, BC novelist Bill Stenson has written a new Doukhobor historical novel. "Svoboda" follows the life of Vasili Saprikin, a young Doukhobor living in the Kootenays who is seperated from his family and forced to attend a residential school at New Denver.  The book follows the family's struggle to adapt to Canadian culture and society.

Update - Links

Mon-Photo - Caslegar contains dozens of photographs, descriptions and information about Castlegar, British Columbia including Zuckerberg Island and the Doukhobor Village Museum, as well as surrounding communities in the Kootenays. 

Doukhobor Immigrant Ship Descriptions

Are you seeking information about the ships that brought your Doukhobor immigrant ancestors to Canada? Visit this index to learn about the physical dimensions, builders, launches, shipping lines, shipping routes, name changes, wreck and salvage data, pictures, and other information for over 54 Doukhobor immigrant ships. By Jonathan J. Kalmakoff.

Update - Doukhobor Cemetery Transcription Project

The following Doukhobor cemetery has been transcribed and is now online. Learn about its location, history, physical layout, driving directions and details with respect to burials: Winlaw Doukhobor Cemetery, Winlaw, BC.

"New" Section Added

The Doukhobor Genealogy Website is updated regularly to bring you the most recent and interesting family history information. In order to assist you in locating the latest additions, this new, user-friendly "New" section has been added to the site. You can access this page from the sliding menu bar on the right side of the screen.

A Fading Minority: The Doukhobors' Continued Struggle for Survival

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, many of Georgia's Doukhobors resettled to Russia.  Those who remained became minorities in their own villages.  Now, those who are left are applying for Russian citizenship.  Should they leave, it is feared that ethnic disputes may erupt between their Armenian and Georgian neighbours. By Hedvig Lohm & Ilya Chkhutishvili.

Doukhobor Memory - Masters Research By Sonya White

Are you interested in Doukhobor pasts, presents, and futures in Canada? Would you like to share your views on the importance that memory has in contemporary visions of Doukhoborism? Learn about University of Toronto Master's student Sonya White's research on Doukhobor memory, history and healing and how you can participate in her research interview.

Brilliant History - Fading Into Obscurity

In the following article, William M. Rozinkin documents the history of the "Besedushka", the stately “retreat house” built for Peter “Lordly” Verigin by his followers in Brilliant, British Columbia in 1922. In the quiet atmosphere of its location, the Doukhobor leader spent time writing and meditating. However, it was destroyed by arson in 1924.

05 Sep 2007

A Visit with the Doukhobors of Irkutsk

In 1891, Russian writer Nikolai Astyrev visited the village of Kotinskoye in northern Irkutsk. The population was predominantly Orthodox, but the village did serve as the sole point of the weak development of Doukhoborism in the province. He provides a rare glimpse of this small, isolated group of Doukhobors. Translated by Jack McIntosh for the Doukhobor Genealogy Website.

01 Sep 2007

The Mystery of Terpenie's Buried Treasure

In 1963, a Ukrainian workman discovered a large hoard of Imperial Russian coins buried on a hillside in the village of Terpenie in Zaporozhye, Ukraine. All the evidence - the dates of the coins, the size of the hoard, and its location – strongly suggests that the coins were buried by Doukhobors prior to their expulsion in 1841-1845. By Alexander Chukhraenko.

31 Aug 2007

Village-Surname-Village Index for the 1905 Doukhobor Census

The following index (by village-surname or by surname-village) contains a listing of surnames that appear in each Doukhobor village in the 1905 census. Researchers can use this index to find out where Doukhobor families were living in 1905, and to decide where (in which villages) to start searching in the census records.

25 Aug 2007

Update - Doukhobor Historical Maps

The following detailed maps have been added to the online Doukhobor historical map collection: Brilliant, British Columbia; Ootischenia, British Columbia; Doukhobor Settlements in Tambov, Russia.

22 Aug 2007

Update - Local Histories Index

The Local Histories Index has been updated to include seven more local history books containing group settlement history and detailed family biographies: Langham (SK), Hyas (SK), Yorkton (SK), Ebeneezer (SK), Hafford (SK), Dydland (SK), Vulcan (AB).

22 Aug 2007

Search Function Added to Menu Bar

A link to the Google-powered site search engine has been added to the menu bar which appears on the right side of the screen on the Doukhobor Genealogy Website. Use it to perform searches and queries of all the data contained on the web site. Quick and easy-to-use for reference and look-ups.  

20 Aug 2007

Doukhobors in the 1920 Cummins Rural Directory of Saskatchewan  

The following is an index of Doukhobor landowners that appear in the 1920 Cummins Directory Map for Saskatchewan.  It contains the landowner name, legal land description, post office district and map number for 1,654 quarter-sections, comprising 264,640 acres of land, owned and farmed by Doukhobors. By Jonathan J. Kalmakoff.

15 Aug 2007

Update - Links

New links to interesting and useful websites: Doukhobor Talks; Worldisround: National Heritage Doukhobor Village; The Canadian Encyclopaedia; Manitoba Life and Times; Saskatchewan Western Development Museum; Peel’s Prairie Provinces; Slocanvalley.com; Rodstvo.ru; Russkie Familii; Translit.ru; Onlinenewspapers.com; Google Book Search; Wikipedia; Deacure and Davis (and Salikin) Family Tree Genealogy; Mapquest.com; Slocan Valley (Doukhobor) Cooperative; Baba’s Home Cooking; Victoria Doukhobor Choir (MySpace.com); Doukhobor Hymns & Songs; Brilliant Suspension Bridge; and more!  

15 Aug 2007

Publications

Copies of genealogical reference books by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff are available for sale: 1853 Tax Register of Doukhobors in the Caucasus; 1918 Independent Doukhobor Census; and 1930 Names Doukhobors of Canada, Saskatchewan Membership List. Coming soon: Doukhobor Ship Passenger Lists (2nd Edition); Doukhobors in the 1911 Canada Census.

12 Aug 2007

Documentary Series - Courage of the Doukhobors

The Doukhobors have been featured in a new, three-part documentary entitled "The Courage of the Doukhobors".  With extensive interview footage of writer Koozma J. Tarasoff, the "Courage of the Doukhobors" highlights the vegetarianism practiced by some Doukhobors in Canada as part of the series "Vegetarianism A Noble Way of Living".

05 Aug 2007

Family Names in British Columbia Doukhobor Settlements, 1930s-1950s

The following is a list of families who lived in the former CCUB and surrounding settlements in the Grand Forks, Castlegar and Slocan Valley areas of British Columbia, from the 1930s to the 1950s. Based on groundbreaking fieldwork, it is a tremendous resource for family research.  Written by Mike W. Popoff with Jonathan J. Kalmakoff for the Doukhobor Genealogy Website.

01 Aug 2007

A Doukhobor Wedding Dress

In 1867, a wedding dress was handmade and worn in a traditional Doukhobor wedding ceremony in the Caucasus, Russia.  After, it was carefully preserved and passed down through the generations.  Today, over 140 years later, the garment is part of the extensive collection at the Saskatchewan Western Development Museum. By Leslee Newman.

01 Aug 2007

New Book Traces History of Langham, Saskatchewan and District

A new local history book entitled “Langham & District History, 1907-2007” traces the history of Langham, Saskatchewan from its origins as a small prairie railway siding, through its incorporation as a town, to its development into a modern centre.  Contains general settlement history of the Doukhobors and detailed biographies of Doukhobor families. 

31 Jul 2007

Georgian Doukhobors Relocate to Tambov, Russia

57 Doukhobors have relocated from the Bogdanovka region of the Republic of Georgia to the Pervomayskiy district of Tambov province, Russia as part of a state-sponsored program to voluntarily repatriate Russians residing in former Soviet republics.  Their families, up to 760 Doukhobors, are expected to join them from Georgia by September. 

20 Jul 2007

Memories of Blaine Lake and Area

The following exhibition of black and white photographs was taken by Dr. Nicholas Zbitnoff (1902-1987), Doukhobor philosopher, traveler, genealogist and photographer, during his visits to Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan in 1965 and 1966. It captures his memories, reminiscences and perspectives of the people and place.

15 Jul 2007

Childhood Memories

Alexey I. Popov was born in 1876 in Novo-Troitskoe village, Elizavetpol. At the age of 2, he and his family immigrated to the territory known as Kars near the Turkish border. There, he lived in the village of Spasovka until manhood. Years later, he recounted his Doukhobor childhood in his memoirs. Translated and published by his grandson Eli A. Popoff.  

11 Jul 2007

Doukhobor Dugout House Unveils Monument Commemorating Oospenia Spring

On July 11, 2007, at its season opening ceremony, the Doukhobor Dugout House unveiled a stone monument commemorating Oospenia Spring and the Doukhobor pioneers who settled near it.  To find out more about this heritage event, read the following Press Release. 

05 Jul 2007

Index of Doukhobors Exiled to Yakutsk, Siberia, 1895-1905

The result of groundbreaking research, this index contains the full name, patronymic, surname, birth year, village and province of origin, category of exile and comments for each of the 124 Doukhobors from the Caucasus, Russia who were imprisoned and subsequently exiled to Yakutsk, Siberia in 1895-1905 for refusing military servic