JULY 31, 2025
RUSSIA

Top: Valeriy Khmil, Sergey Kretov, Tatyana Morlang, and Nataliya Perekatiy

Bottom: Aleksandr Podolin, Aleksandr Popras, Yevgeniy Reshetnikov, and Svetlana Vyrezkova

“Examples of Faith Bring Glory to Jehovah’s Name”

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On July 28, 2025, the Gryazi City Court of the Lipetsk Region convicted Brothers Valeriy Khmil, Sergey Kretov, Aleksandr Podolin, Aleksandr Popras, and Yevgeniy Reshetnikov, and Sisters Tatyana Morlang, Nataliya Perekatiy, and Svetlana Vyrezkova. The court imposed fines ranging from 250,000 rubles ($3,073 U.S.) to 550,000 rubles ($6,761 U.S.).

Profiles

Tatyana Morlang

Born: 1957 (Gryazi)

Baptized: 2018

Background: Worked as a commodity specialist and salesperson before retirement. Married Viktor in 1982. They have a son and a daughter

Charged with: Participating in religious meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Sentence: Fined 250,000 rubles ($3,073 U.S.)

Personal Comments

What helps you to overcome negative emotions?

When I feel anxious or discouraged, I recall the words at Proverbs 16:3: “Commit to Jehovah whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” By trusting Jehovah completely, I experience his care, guidance, and loving support, which help me to deal with my emotions. I also know that our worldwide spiritual family is praying for those of us undergoing persecution. These prayers have a positive effect on me, helping me to endure and to find joy in each day.

Nataliya Perekatiy

Born: 1953 (Dachi Village, Yaroslavl Region)

Baptized: 1992

Background: Widowed in 1993. Has two sons and one daughter

Charged with: Participating in religious meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Sentence: Fined 250,000 rubles ($3,073 U.S.)

Personal Comments

Is there a particular verse from the Bible that has given you strength?

At 2 Corinthians 12:10, it states: “So I take pleasure in weaknesses, in insults, in times of need, in persecutions and difficulties, for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am powerful.” There are times when I feel as small and weak as a baby chick, hiding under Jehovah’s wings. But as I continue learning to show complete trust in Jehovah, he continues to prove that he is my most reliable Friend. He is always by my side, encouraging me never to give up. This helps me to feel strong again and keeps me from fearing the challenges I face.

Aleksandr Popras

Born: 1967 (Bratsk, Irkutsk Region)

Baptized: 1994

Background: Works at a service station. Married Yelena in 1989. They have a daughter, a son, and four grandsons

Charged with: Conducting religious meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses via videoconference

Sentence: Fined 550,000 rubles ($6,761 U.S.)

Personal Comments

What helps you to maintain a positive view of this persecution?

The endurance of my brothers and sisters in other parts of Russia is very encouraging. It reminds me of 1 Peter 2:12, where it says: “Maintain your conduct fine among the nations, so that when they accuse you of being wrongdoers, they may be eyewitnesses of your fine works and, as a result, glorify God in the day of his inspection.” All of these examples of faith bring glory to Jehovah’s name and remind me that I am not alone. I am confident that with God’s help, we will all endure to the end together.

As the persecution of our brothers and sisters continues in Russia and Crimea, we are confident that Jehovah will continue to provide them refuge in his “everlasting arms.”—Deuteronomy 33:27.

Jehovah’s Witnesses