“I Am Surrounded by Love”

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On December 29, 2025, the Karachayevskiy District Court of the Karachayevo-Circassian Republic convicted Sister Mariya Ogoreva and gave her a two-year suspended prison sentence. She is not required to go to prison at this time.

Profile

Mariya Ogoreva

Born: 1961 (Kardonikskaya, Karachayevo-Circassian Republic)

Baptized: 1998

Background: Worked at a kindergarten before retiring. Her husband, Vasiliy, passed away in 2019. She has two daughters and a son. Her daughter Svetlana was convicted in October 2025 and given a three-year suspended prison sentence

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

Sentence: Two-year suspended prison sentence

Personal Comments

What helps you to maintain a positive attitude?

Facing the reality of my situation is emotionally and spiritually challenging. However, learning to look at things from Jehovah’s perspective has helped me avoid feeling sorry for myself. I see how vital it is for me to hold tightly to his hand and never let go. It is amazing to see how Jehovah has united his people and how he shows his love through them. The support I have received during this trial has given me proof that I am not alone. I am surrounded by love.

As we face our own trials, may we continue to cling to Jehovah as his ‘right hand keeps fast hold on us.’—Psalm 63:8.

Jehovah’s Witnesses