JANUARY 4, 2022
RUSSIA

UPDATE | Preparation and Hope Assist Brother Pyotr Krupnov and His Wife, Maya

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On March 9, 2022, the Penza Regional Court denied the appeal of Brother Pyotr Krupnov and his wife, Maya. They are not required to go to prison at this time.

Time Line

December 30, 2021

The Nikolskiy District Court of the Penza Region convicted Pyotr and his wife, Maya, and imposed a suspended prison sentence of three years
October 25, 2021

Criminal trial began
October 12, 2021

Pyotr and Maya were added to the list of terrorists and extremists because of discussing religious materials with their friends
September 15, 2021

Criminal case against Maya was initiated. Pyotr was later added to the case as a defendant
October 11, 2020

Security officers searched the homes of four families of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Nikolsk, including the Krupnovs’ home

Profiles

Pyotr Krupnov

Born: 1963

Biography: Works as a plumber. Began studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1996. After reading our literature and observing the conduct of his Bible study conductor, he was convinced he had found the truth. Baptized in 2002

Met Maya at a congregation meeting. Married in 2008

Personal Comments

Can you recall an occasion when you felt that Jehovah helped you?

I [recall a time when] I prayed for holy spirit and then remembered a thought from John 10:28, where it says: “No one will snatch them out of my hand.” Reflecting on that point made me feel strong and happy. I could sense that my Father was right by my side. As a result, I felt calmer and more confident.

What is helping you to endure?

I try to remember that no matter how difficult our trials may be, they are nothing when compared with [the privilege of] serving Jehovah and having eternal life in paradise. My love for God and my fellow man gives me the strength I need to face my trials.

Maya Krupnova

Born: 1957 (Atasu, Kazakhstan)

Biography: Worked as a pastry chef. Now retired and enjoys gardening

First learned about Jehovah’s Witnesses from her daughter. Both were baptized in 2001

Personal Comments

How did you prepare for these trials?

I started preparing when the arrests began [in a nearby city]. I read the Bible books of Esther and Jeremiah. . . . I kept an eye on the reports posted on our website and learned our songs by heart. I prepared an emergency “go bag” and also a bag to take with me to prison. . . . I prayed for the wisdom and courage I would need to endure those trials in a dignified way.

How have you been supported by your spiritual family?

Everyone has always provided me so much encouragement, especially when I really needed it. During a time when I was emotionally exhausted, the brothers and sisters called and wrote, assuring me of their love. . . . I always knew what a big, loving family I had. But since 2020, I am especially aware of this.

We appreciate the example of Pyotr and Maya as they remain firmly anchored in their hope and rely on Jehovah.—Hebrews 6:19.

Jehovah’s Witnesses

UPDATE | Preparation and Hope Assist Brother Pyotr Krupnov and His Wife, Maya

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Profiles

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