Grateful to Serve Jehovah

 RUSSIA


Grateful to Serve Jehovah

April 23, 2024


The Pervomayskiy District Court of Izhevsk in the Udmurtian Republic will soon announce its verdict in the case involving Brothers Yevgeniy Stefanidin and Aleksandr Votyakov. The prosecutor has yet to request a potential sentence.


Profiles


Yevgeniy Stefanidin

Born: 1989 (Izhevsk)


Biography: Works in commercial real estate


Yevgeniy was raised as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. When he was ten years old, his grandmother died. The resurrection hope drew him even closer to Jehovah. Baptized in 2006


Married Marina in 2011. They have a daughter


Yevgeniy was diagnosed with cancer in 2022


Personal Comments

What has helped you to maintain a positive outlook while being persecuted?


When I take the time to appreciate my many daily blessings, I am much more joyful. I also remind myself that although Jehovah is allowing me to be persecuted, he is not to blame. He will soon right all the wrongs that have been done to his faithful servants. It is also important to cling to Jehovah and to my brothers and sisters. A sister once told me: “Your smile is very upbuilding. Seeing how you are keeping a positive attitude under these circumstances makes me feel confident and unafraid.” I truly appreciate being part of Jehovah’s family.


Aleksandr Votyakov

Born: 1973 (Izhevsk)


Biography: Works in construction


Married Liliya in 1995


He was impressed with the positive changes his wife made after she became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Aleksandr was baptized in 2006


Personal Comments


What valuable lesson have you learned from this experience?


I have learned the importance of trusting Jehovah and never doubting that he will support me. I spent almost six months under house arrest and was not able to work. At the same time, my wife experienced a severe illness. But we clearly saw Jehovah’s hand at work. My brothers and sisters cared for us and our needs. Our non-Witness relatives were amazed at how well we were looked after. Having experienced Jehovah’s tender affection, I am even more grateful to be his servant.


Like Aleksandr and Yevgeniy, we consider it a great privilege to ‘fearlessly render sacred service’ to Jehovah all our days.—Luke 1:74, 75.


Time Line


April 14, 2021


Security forces conducted a search of Yevgeniy’s house


December 13, 2022


Criminal case initiated against Aleksandr and Yevgeniy


December 14, 2022


Officers searched both homes. Aleksandr sent to a temporary detention facility. Yevgeniy placed under travel restrictions


December 15, 2022


Aleksandr released from temporary detention and placed under house arrest


June 9, 2023


Aleksandr released from house arrest and placed under travel restrictions


August 17, 2023


Criminal trial began


In the photo: Left: Brother Yevgeniy Stefanidin. Right: Brother Aleksandr Votyakov.

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