MARCH 29, 2023 | UPDATED: APRIL 18, 2023
RUSSIA

UPDATE—BROTHERS IMPRISONED | Experiencing Jehovah’s Support While Detained

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On April 17, 2023, the Ahktubinskiy District Court of the Astrakhan Region convicted Brothers Rinat Kiramov, Sergey Korolev, and Sergey Kosyanenko. They were each sentenced to seven years in prison. All three brothers have been in pretrial detention since November 2021 and remain in custody.

Profiles

Rinat Kiramov

Born: 1987 (Moscow, Moscow Region)

Biography: Was studying to become a web developer prior to his arrest. Is a skilled musician. Worked as a mailman while performing alternative civilian service

Learned the truth from his mother. Was drawn by the love and unity among Jehovah’s Witnesses. Baptized in 2001

Married Galina in 2009

Personal Comments From Rinat’s wife, Galina a

What is helping Rinat to endure his time in the detention center?

Rinat set a goal to pray for each brother and sister in prison by name. Every month, I supply him with a list of those all over the world who are incarcerated for their faith. Offering such extended, specific prayers in behalf of others strengthens his own relationship with Jehovah and keeps him from becoming too focused on his own difficulties. We also remind each other of what our endurance is accomplishing: We are giving a good witness and supporting Jehovah’s sovereignty. Rinat included this in a letter: “No matter how strong our enemy may seem, with our Father’s help we will come off victorious. But victory does not necessarily mean freedom. For us victory means remaining faithful to the end.”

How have you felt Jehovah’s support?

Rinat wrote something in a letter that has proven very true: “Because I cannot take care of you right now, Jehovah has taken on that responsibility himself.” And I have experienced the powerful support of Jehovah’s spirit from the moment this all started. Psalm 91:1 promises: “Anyone dwelling in the secret place of the Most High will lodge under the shadow of the Almighty.” In the past, I read about this “secret place,” but now I appreciate Jehovah’s protection more than ever. This gives me a remarkable feeling of confidence in him and helps me to endure with joy.

Sergey Korolev

Born: 1973 (Penza, Penza Region)

Biography: Enjoys taking photographs and making furniture

Overcame a bias against religion after associating with Jehovah’s Witnesses and learning about the Creator. Baptized in 1996

Married Yekaterina in 2005

Personal Comments

How has your relationship with Jehovah been strengthened during this time?

Being in detention, it is challenging not to develop a negative attitude about what is happening. My endurance, faith, hope, and love are all fully put to the test. What primarily helps me is prayer. The time I have for warm conversations with my Father is truly unlimited. I have never said so many heartfelt prayers in my life as I have in here! Now I understand how Jesus could spend the entire night in prayer to his Father. Being in this situation has taught me to rely fully on God, and that is perhaps the biggest benefit the time here has brought me.

Sergey Kosyanenko

Born: 1961 (Yelan, Volgograd Region)

Biography: Works as a physical education teacher

Married Olga in 1983. Was drawn to the historical and prophetic accuracy of the Bible. Baptized in 2002

Personal Comments From Sergey’s wife, Olga b

What has helped you to cope with discouragement?

I try to keep myself busy with beneficial tasks. I read Bible-based publications and pray to Jehovah, asking him to strengthen me so that I can overcome any feelings of discouragement. I reread Sergey’s letters and imagine what it will be like meeting him when all of this is over. Listening to our Bible-based songs and singing along with them also helps me.

Is there a specific Bible verse that has helped you to endure?

I particularly enjoy what it says at 1 Corinthians 10:13, where God promises that ‘he will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear.’ I understand that I cannot cope with all these things on my own and that Jehovah will without fail help me to endure. If this is happening to us, it means we can get through it. These things are not going to go on forever.

We are comforted to know that Jehovah continues to prove himself a refuge for his faithful servants, placing his ‘everlasting arms beneath us.’—Deuteronomy 33:27.

Time Line

November 9, 2021

Criminal case initiated. Authorities search 15 homes of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Akhtubinsk and Znamensk, including those of Brothers Kiramov, Korolev, and Kosyanenko
November 10, 2021

Sergey Korolev arrested
November 11, 2021

Rinat Kiramov and Sergey Kosyanenko arrested. All three brothers sent to pretrial detention
November 14, 2022

Criminal trial began

a b It was not possible to obtain personal comments from Brothers Kiramov and Kosyanenko.

Jehovah’s Witnesses

UPDATE—BROTHERS IMPRISONED | Experiencing Jehovah’s Support While Detained

Profiles

Time Line

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