The Relaying of the Message and Its Fulfilment by the Doukhobors. The Exile of Ivan Evseevich Konkin

Abstract

Konkin and Ob”edkov both arrived in Slavianka, Elizavetpol’ guberniia. Everyone was pleased to see them, including relatives and spiritual brothers and sisters. The Doukhobors from other villages arrived in Slavianka to meet them. They were also invited to other places. They travelled and discussed everything. Konkin began each conversation with the message of Pëtr Vasil’evich. After reciting the message in detail, sometimes he also asked the Doukhobors if they understood what he had told them on behalf of Pëtr Vasil’evich. They asked for some elaboration and he explained precisely what Pëtr Vasil’evich had said. The Doukhobors thanked Pëtr Vasil’evich for sincerely wanting them to become good Christians and to fulfil the teachings of Jesus Christ for which He was crucified on Golgotha Mountain. Konkin was a wise man, he behaved with honesty and dignity. After passing over Pëtr Vasil’evich’s message, he continued the conversation in a serious and solemn manner. His speech touched people’s hearts so strongly that it brought forth tears. In conversation, Konkin was not intimidated by anyone, not even by the presence of government officials. Governments detest any divine sermons because they destroy their way of life. Of course, for the most part he spoke of Christ’s teachings and exemplary life, and this did not make him uneasy, and he was not afraid of any suffering, relying upon God’s will and providence.