All those that chose to attend a Spiritual Blessing during a busy Whatshan Jam, July 08, through 10, 2016, formed an ever increasing circle as others arrived with the symbolic bread, salt and water standing over a white doily draped over a table.

The following were the opening words delivered by Elmer Verigin:

“…..At least once a year and always at about this time, we stop to give thanks for all that has been created here at Whatshan.

JJ Verigin spoke on July 16, 1999 before all those who attended here to dedicate this Whatshan Project, to the “Peoples of this Country, Canada” for their enjoyment as a tribute to their kindness to permit 7,700 Doukhobors to escape religious persecution in Russia in 1899.

It was then that a nice lady and her partner appeared on stage and, in tears, acknowledged a large monetary gift from her son.

Many years  have passed along with much dedication from even more volunteers, to witness what is now before us.

It was not the size of donation, or shortness of volunteer hour that needs to be congratulated here but it was always given from the heart whether it was the $25 cash from an Old Age Security Cheque or one hour of Love.

Today we are missing this avid guest in body but she envelopes us in her spiritual love. She is there all around us and her presence abounds within those who will allow her love to enter.

As I wrote these words this morning, she encouraged me to say to her family:

” I promised you that I would be here in spirit as I knew that my tired body would not. Love each other with all your might and do not forget to pass this love to everyone around you.”

I have searched for evidence of God and I sympathize with Biologists and Scientists in their acknowledgement of their definitive evidence that there is a Devine Presence in all matter.

Dr. Lypton, PhD., Cell Biologist is convinced that all 60 trillion cells in your body are in direct contact with the environment…..Quantum Physics.

Physicists have mow accepted that every atom is controlled by the Hobbs Particle or as colloquially referred to as “God’s Particle” by some.

I ask all of you to hold hands now so that we can embrace all this communication that comes from without.

Aunt Flo to me, mother to a few, grandmother to more and relative and friend to all others, will be held amongst us…..”

I ask those that can sing the Lord’s Prayer in Russian to please do as all of us close our eyes and this deeply of Flo……………Ochee Nosh.

I ask JJ Verigin to say a few words……..

Kerry (granddaughter) spoke of her association with her “Gamma”

Patricia Markin (partner to Allan, son) spoke of her respect of her mother-in-law

Lev Markin recounted on the love he received from his great grandmother

Diana Lodon talked about her mother

Lloyd Morozoff, nephew, spoke about his Aunt

Candis (Oglow) spoke lovingly of her grandfather Pete Oglow and his support for Whatshan

We will all close now with singing Precious Moments, Daraheeya Menutee and I will ask my daughter Nona Kucher to lead us.

Thank you all!

Elmer Verigin, posted July 12, 2016 at 0930 hours