JANUARY 9, 2024 | UPDATED: OCTOBER 7, 2024
GLOBAL NEWS

UPDATE—BROTHERS IMPRISONED | Determined to Cling to Jehovah

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On October 3, 2024, the Supreme Court of the Republic of Crimea changed the sentences previously imposed on Brothers Yuriy Gerashchenko and Sergey Parfenovich. Their original six-year suspended sentences were replaced with six years in prison. They were taken into custody from the courtroom.

On July 1, 2024, the Krasnogvardeyskiy District Court of the Republic of Crimea convicted Brothers Yuriy Gerashchenko and Sergey Parfenovich. They were each given a six-year suspended prison sentence and are not required to go to prison at this time.

Profiles

Yuriy Gerashchenko

Born: 1979 (Ukraine)

Biography: Works as an electrician

Impressed by the accuracy of the Bible and the evidence of God’s love for mankind in its teachings. Baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 2000

Married Irina in 2002

Personal Comments

Which aspect of Jehovah’s personality has become more real to you as a result of this experience?

I have come to appreciate Jehovah’s discernment. He knows exactly what I need and is eager to help me. As I look back over these recent events in my life, I can see how Jehovah has been preparing me. I feel like a tool in his hand. A skilled craftsman keeps his tools in good condition, sharpening and caring for them so that they are ready to be used when needed. I can see how Jehovah has been doing that for me all along. This makes me want to cling to him and never let go.

Sergey Parfenovich

Born: 1972 (Mirnoye, Crimea)

Biography: Worked as a groundskeeper at a sports complex

Learning what God’s Kingdom will accomplish in the future touched his heart. Baptized in 1993 at the international convention held in Kyiv, Ukraine

Married Marina in 1997. They have four sons and two daughters

Personal Comments

Whose example in the Bible has encouraged you personally?

At Philippians 3:10, the apostle Paul wrote: “My aim is to know him and the power of his resurrection and to share in his sufferings.” I have reflected on how much Paul loved Jesus. He loved Jesus so much that he was willing to suffer as Jesus did. I have prayed that I may have the same spirit and determination that Paul had. This attitude has helped me to change my mindset. Instead of viewing myself as a victim of unfortunate circumstances, I see myself as someone who has made a firm choice to serve Jehovah, regardless of the consequences.

We know that Jehovah will continue to sustain Yuriy and Sergey, as well as all who maintain their integrity, as he ‘conceals them in the shadow of his wings.’—Psalm 17:7, 8.

Time Line

September 19, 2022

Criminal case initiated against Sergey
September 28, 2022

Sergey’s home was among eight homes searched by FSB officers, and he was placed in a temporary holding facility
September 30, 2022

Sergey was sent to a pretrial detention center
November 15, 2022

Sergey was released from the pretrial detention center and placed under house arrest
March 22, 2023

Criminal case initiated against Yuriy. He was arrested, interrogated, and placed in a temporary detention center
March 24, 2023

Yuriy was released and placed under house arrest
July 12, 2023

Sergey and Yuriy were released from house arrest and placed under travel restrictions
July 28, 2023

Criminal trial began. The prosecutor accused Sergey and Yuriy of continuing “to engage in criminal activities and threaten witnesses.” Despite a lack of evidence, the judge placed them both under house arrest for a second time

Jehovah’s Witnesses

UPDATE—BROTHERS IMPRISONED | Determined to Cling to Jehovah

Profiles

Time Line

See Also

Imprisoned for Their Faith—Crimea