MAY 29, 2023 | UPDATED: MAY 3, 2024
RUSSIA

UPDATE—BROTHERS CONVICTED | Bible Principles Equip Brothers to Endure Persecution

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On May 2, 2024, the Pozharskiy District Court of the Primorye Territory convicted Brothers Nikolay Dikhtyar, Andrey Lyakhov, Yuriy Ponomarenko, and Oleg Sergeyev. They received suspended prison sentences of two years and six months, two years and eight months, six years and six months, and six years and four months respectively. They are not required to go to prison at this time.

Profiles

Nikolay Dikhtyar

Born: 1954 (Ukraine)

Biography: Worked as a thermal engineer designing heating and cooling systems

Convinced of the Bible’s accuracy by seeing prophecies fulfilled in current events. Baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1998

Personal Comments

What has helped you to maintain a balanced outlook during this challenging time?

When I learned that this persecution was taking place in Russia, I was not surprised. I knew that the best thing I could do was be prepared. I understand that being persecuted and going through trials is not something I can avoid. (2 Timothy 3:12) Jehovah’s organization is providing powerful support through the spiritual food and the prayers said in our behalf. I always feel like Jehovah and Jesus are right alongside me, supplying me with strength and patience.

Andrey Lyakhov

Born: 1978 (Voznesenka, Primorye Territory)

Biography: Worked in construction doing interior finishes and remodels

Contacted by Jehovah’s Witnesses in 2014. Finding answers to his questions in the Bible convinced him that he had found the truth. Baptized in 2016

Personal Comments

What has motivated you to stay spiritually strong?

Discouragement could easily cause me to become anxious and give up. I know that to maintain my joy, I need to be even more active than I was before. At Matthew 6:33, Jesus encouraged us to ‘keep on seeking first the Kingdom.’ Meditating on this helps me to stay focused on spiritual things. I remind myself that Jehovah is helping me to cope with whatever challenges arise. So there is no point in giving in to negative thoughts and worrying about what might or might not happen.

Oleg Sergeyev

Born: 1984 (Vladivostok, Primorye Territory)

Biography: Works as an electrician

Parents became Jehovah’s Witnesses when he was young. Became convinced he had learned the truth through a personal study of the Bible. Baptized in 1999

Married Anastasiya in 2010. They have three children

Personal Comments

Is there a Bible principle that has proven especially valuable to you?

I have given a lot of thought to what Jesus said at Luke 12:25, 26: “Who of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his life span? If, therefore, you cannot do such a small thing, why be anxious about the remaining things?” That principle reminds me that rather than give in to my feelings, I need to say ‘Stop!’ when my anxieties start to overwhelm me. There are certain things in life that I simply cannot change. The best thing I can do is learn to live with these new circumstances and to rely more on Jehovah.

We know that, like Andrey, Nikolay, Oleg, and Yuriy, we will be “completely equipped for every good work” by applying Bible principles in our lives.—2 Timothy 3:16, 17.

Time Line

July 16, 2021

Criminal case initiated against Yuriy. Suspected of organizing the activities of an extremist organization
July 22, 2021

Yuriy’s apartment searched
July 24, 2021

Yuriy placed under travel restrictions
November 1, 2021

Oleg’s apartment searched
November 2, 2021

Oleg placed under travel restrictions
February 12, 2022

Oleg charged and added to the criminal case
March 14, 2022

Nikolay charged and added to the criminal case
March 15, 2022

Andrey charged and added to the criminal case
August 10, 2022

Criminal trial began

Jehovah’s Witnesses

UPDATE—BROTHERS CONVICTED | Bible Principles Equip Brothers to Endure Persecution

Profiles

Time Line

See Also

Imprisoned for Their Faith—Russia