“I Held My Head Up High”

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On October 15, 2025, the Vyselkovskiy District Court of the Krasnodar Territory convicted Sister Yelena Rumyantseva and gave her a two-year suspended prison sentence. She is not required to go to prison at this time.

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Yelena Rumyantseva

Born: 1972 (Otradnaya, Krasnodar Territory)

Baptized: 2006

Background: Works as a seamstress. Married Mikhail in 2000. He passed away in 2019. Their only daughter, Sister Vasilina Penskaya, was convicted in July 2025 and is also serving a two-year suspended sentence

Charged with: Discussing the Bible and participating in religious meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Sentence: Two-year suspended prison sentence

Personal Comments

What helps you to overcome feelings of anxiety?

Over the last few years, I have experienced several major challenges. My mother had a stroke from which she is still recovering. Then my husband passed away suddenly. Less than two years after that, my father passed away. Naturally, there are times when I feel anxious. When that happens, I think of the words at Psalm 27:1, where David sang: “Jehovah is my light and my salvation. Whom should I fear? Jehovah is the stronghold of my life. Whom should I dread?” These words are so powerful. I remember when the prosecutor read out my indictment during one court hearing. My body was trembling, and I said a prayer. At that moment, I felt an indescribable peace. I held my head up high, and as I looked at the prosecutor, I thought to myself, ‘Does he have any idea who I have on my side?’ Jehovah has never left me alone, not even for a moment. He shows me true fatherly affection, which is something I cherish.

We are confident that Jehovah will continue to give our brothers and sisters who experience persecution the support and strength that they need to ‘endure to the end.’—Matthew 24:13.

Jehovah’s Witnesses

“I Held My Head Up High”

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See Also

Jehovah’s Witnesses Imprisoned for Their Faith—By Location