JULY 14, 2021 | UPDATED: DECEMBER 2, 2022
RUSSIA

UPDATE—VERDICT ANNOUNCED | Preparing for Persecution Helps Three Brothers Remain Loyal

PLAY

On November 30, 2022, the Ussuriyskiy District Court of the Primorye Territory convicted Brothers Anton Chermnykh, Sergey Korolchuk, and Dmitriy Tishchenko. They each received a suspended prison sentence of six years. They are not required to go to prison at this time.

Time Line

September 23, 2020

Court hearings begin in the trial against Anton, Sergey, and Dmitriy
July 7, 2020

Anton, Sergey, and Dmitriy are formally charged with holding leadership positions in a banned “extremist” religious organization
June 18, 2019

Sergey is put in pretrial detention for two days

Profiles

Anton Chermnykh

Born: 1987 (Magdeburg, Germany)

Biography: Has a twin brother and was young when their father abandoned the family. Since finishing his schooling, has worked as a software engineer in the housing and public utilities sector

Learned the truth from his mother. He appreciated the Bible’s clear message about the purpose of life. Baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 2004. Married Yekaterina in 2013. They have a daughter, Milana

Personal Comments

What did you do to prepare ahead of time for potential persecution?

I thought about it often, and in my mind I would go over all the potential scenarios that could play out for my family or for me. I always tried to stick to a good schedule of personal study. Especially when the first arrests in Russia started, I understood that I could end up in a temporary detention facility where I would not have a Bible or literature.

Sergey Korolchuk

Born: 1967 (Vladivostok, Primorye Territory)

Biography: Received a military education and became an agent in the Committee for State Security (KGB). Later worked as a loader and machine operator for a furniture company. Recently worked as a janitor. Married Yelena in 1989. They have two children

He was impressed with the Bible’s explanation of world events and the hope for the future. Baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1993

Personal Comments

What have you learned during this trial that will help you face future challenges to your faith?

I can clearly see that everything is happening just as Christ said it would. We do not need to worry excessively. Instead, we need to remain calm and, when possible, tell others about the truth tactfully and respectfully. I am ready for whatever decision the court makes, and my family is as well.

As their trial and prosecution continue, we know that Jehovah will bless the faithfulness of Anton, Sergey, and Dmitriy.—Proverbs 28:20.

Jehovah’s Witnesses

UPDATE—VERDICT ANNOUNCED | Preparing for Persecution Helps Three Brothers Remain Loyal

Time Line

Profiles

You May Also Like

Imprisoned for Their Faith—Russia