JANUARY 21, 2022
RUSSIA

In the City of Karpinsk, Reliance on Jehovah Leads to Strong Faith

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The Karpinsk City Court of the Sverdlovsk Region will soon announce its verdict in the case involving Sisters Darya Dulova, Venera Dulova, Brother Aleksandr Prianikov and his wife, Sister Anastasiya Prianikova, and Sister Svetlana Zalyaeva. The prosecutor has yet to request a potential sentence

Time Line

January 27, 2020

Aleksandr, Darya, and Venera were sentenced in a separate case against them
February 2020

A second criminal case against Aleksandr, Darya, and Venera was initiated
March 30, 2020

Authorities searched the homes of the accused and confiscated electronic devices
May 19, 2020

Anastasiya and Svetlana were added to the criminal case. Both were ordered not to leave the area
April 29, 2021

The criminal trial began

Profiles

Venera Dulova

Born: 1968 (Karpinsk, Sverdlovsk Region)

Biography: Raised by her mother and grandmother. Enjoys knitting, reading, and studying. Lost her mother and grandmother in death before she turned 17. Married in 1990. Has three children

Wondered why we die and what the future would be like for her children. Began studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses when she was 28. Baptized in 1998

Personal Comments

In what ways have you experienced Jehovah’s support during this time?

Family members who initially opposed me and my husband now show concern for us. My husband praises me and encourages me not to give up. . . . Jehovah also helps us through the kind words of our spiritual brothers and sisters.

After the initial search, the first thought that came to my mind was: ‘I am part of a criminal case, it cannot be! What a nightmare!’ But a friend suggested that I think instead, ‘I am a conqueror—like Jesus.’

Aleksandr Prianikov

Born: 1987 (Udinsk, Khabarovsk Territory)

Biography: Fond of music. Plays the accordion. Worked as an electrician in a factory. Now makes decorative tiles

Always believed that God exists. Moved by God’s promise that people would never die again. Baptized in 2004. Married his wife, Anastasiya, in 2011

Personal Comments

In what ways have the brothers encouraged you during these trials?

One brother helped us to consider Psalm 139:1. He commented that “Jehovah loves you so much that he is keeping track of all that you think, feel, say, and do. . . . King David was aware of just how interested Jehovah is in each one of us. . . . He carefully notes the experiences in our life that make us who we are. Never should we feel that we are alone.” These words touched my heart deeply. Every day I feel that Jehovah is by my side.

While the persecution of our brothers and sisters continues in Russia, how faith-strengthening it is to witness Jehovah’s loving care and support of these dear ones. The tested quality of their faith is resulting in “praise and glory and honor” for Jehovah’s name.—1 Peter 1:7.

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