SEPTEMBER 15, 2023
RUSSIA

Brother Sergey Gromov Sentenced to Six Years and One Month in Russian Prison

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On September 14, 2023, the Moskovskiy District Court of Kazan convicted Brother Sergey Gromov and sentenced him to six years and one month in prison. He has been detained since March 15, 2022, and will remain in custody.

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Sergey Gromov

Born: 1969 (Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan)

Biography: Worked as a graphic designer

Married Yelena in 1990. They have a son and a daughter

Grew up an atheist but had often wondered about the origin of life. Began to study with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Was thrilled to see how the Bible harmonizes with science. He and Yelena were baptized in 1995

Personal Comments from Sergey’s wife, Yelena a

How did you and Sergey prepare yourselves for persecution?

When the situation in Russia changed in 2017, we did not feel distraught. Instead, we threw our burden on Jehovah. As a family, we took to heart the counsel we received and were determined that we would not put ourselves under ban by giving in to fear. We went on with our lives and our spiritual activities while maintaining a prayerful attitude and encouraging our brothers and sisters.

How has Jehovah supported you while being separated from your husband?

I have never spoken to Jehovah as often and as openly as I have since Sergey was taken away. I am keenly aware of how close Jehovah is to me. And he never leaves me to deal with this situation alone. There are times when I barely finish praying and I already feel Jehovah has answered me through a kind word, a hug, or some other means of support from someone. It is as though Jehovah is using them to carry me in his arms. Experiencing this helps me to avoid becoming overly focused on my problems. Instead, it motivates me to do what I can to help others.

We are grateful for the examples of loyalty and reliance on Jehovah shown by Sergey and Yelena. As they remain faithful and experience Jehovah’s blessing, it gives us convincing evidence that “the hand of Jehovah is not too short to save, nor is his ear too dull to hear.”—Isaiah 59:1.

Time Line

March 15, 2022

Criminal case initiated. Taken for interrogation and placed in temporary detention
March 16, 2022

Home searched
March 17, 2022

Transferred to pretrial detention
March 30, 2023

Criminal trial began
September 14, 2023

Convicted and sentenced to six years and one month in prison

a Brother Gromov was in pretrial detention while this article was being prepared. It was not possible to obtain his personal comments.

Jehovah’s Witnesses

Brother Sergey Gromov Sentenced to Six Years and One Month in Russian Prison

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See Also

Imprisoned for Their Faith—Russia