FEBRUARY 20, 2023
RUSSIA

“As Long as Jehovah Is With Me, I Will Always Feel at Home”

PLAY

On February 17, 2023, the Gorno-Altayskiy City Court of the Republic of Altai convicted Brother Aleksandr Kalistratov and imposed a suspended prison sentence of six and a half years. He is not required to go to prison at this time.

Profile

Aleksandr Kalistratov

Born: 1976 (Biysk, Altai Territory)

Biography: Father died when Aleksandr was three. Worked as a child psychologist

Believed in the theory of evolution. His mother began to study the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. He appreciated the clarity of the Bible’s description of creation

Baptized in 1994. Married Yuliya in 2020

Has been criminally charged two times previously. First in 2000 for refusal to join the military and again in 2010 for extremism

Personal Comments

What lessons did you learn during your previous time in detention?

The first time I was criminally charged, I spent 21 days in a detention center and had no contact with the outside world. I learned then to rely solely on Jehovah. I realized that as long as Jehovah is with me, I will always feel at home. Now, if uncertainty threatens to weigh me down, I remind myself of how Jehovah took care of me in the past. As a result, I know for a certainty that he has everything under control.

What Bible verses give you and your wife strength?

Second Samuel chapter 22 has helped my wife and me many times. Verse 3 says: “My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield . . . , my secure refuge and my place to flee, my savior.” Before we go to the courthouse, we read this passage together. It reminds us that Jehovah is our source of strength.

We are confident that Jehovah will continue to hear the voices of his faithful servants as they call on him in times of distress.—2 Samuel 22:7.

Time Line

2000

Arrested for refusal to serve in the military. Sent to pretrial detention for 21 days. Was later acquitted
2010

Charged with extremism. Case was considered twice and eventually sent to the Supreme Court of the Altai Republic, where he was acquitted of all charges
December 16, 2021

Criminal case initiated
January 16, 2022

Officers searched five homes of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Republic of Altai. FSB officers forcibly entered the Kalistratovs’ home and detained Aleksandr for questioning. He was released later that evening and placed on travel restrictions
August 25, 2022

Criminal trial began

Jehovah’s Witnesses

“As Long as Jehovah Is With Me, I Will Always Feel at Home”

Profile

Time Line

You May Also Like

Imprisoned for Their Faith—Russia