“Prayer Is the Most Powerful Antidote to Discouragement”

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On June 19, 2026, the Surgut City Court of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area—Yugra convicted Brothers Roman Khorikov, Yuriy Khorikov, and Kirill Severinchik. The brothers were given suspended prison sentences of six years and four months, six years and six months, and four years respectively.

Profiles

Roman Khorikov

Born: 1988 (Surgut)

Baptized: 2009

Background: Worked as a mechanic. Married Filiya in 2020. His father, Yuriy, was sentenced in the same case

Charged with: Organizing and financing the activities of an extremist organization

Sentence: Suspended prison sentence of six years and four months

Personal Comments

What has helped you to cope with these unpredictable circumstances?

This entire time, I have felt as if I have been on a leash—waiting for our home to be searched, for charges to be filed, for a trial to unfold, and finally, for a verdict. The uncertainty has been stifling. Yet through it all, I have found that prayer is the most powerful antidote to discouragement. I pour out my deepest thoughts and feelings to Jehovah, and then I deliberately search for even the smallest blessings. This keeps Jehovah at the center of my thoughts, and with that comes a peace that cannot be taken away.

Yuriy Khorikov

Born: 1967 (Soviet Union)

Baptized: 2004

Background: Worked in banking. Married Irada in 1987. They have a son and a daughter. Their son, Roman, was sentenced in the same case

Charged with: Organizing and financing the activities of an extremist organization

Sentence: Suspended prison sentence of six years and six months

Personal Comments

What helps you to avoid giving in to negative thoughts and feelings?

Proverbs 24:10 says, “If you become discouraged in the day of distress, your strength will be meager.” Because I know I need to stay strong, I make a constant effort to stay positive. Focusing on my hope is crucial. I regularly remind myself that we are living in the final part of the last days and that these troubles will soon come to an end. Daily communicating all of my worries to Jehovah always brings me relief. I am also deeply grateful to my wife and daughter. Their unwavering support and kindness shown through their words and actions are a constant source of strength for me.

Kirill Severinchik

Born: 1997 (Surgut)

Background: Worked as an elevator electrician. His father, Brother Artur Severinchik, was previously convicted and given a suspended prison sentence of six years and three months

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

Sentence: Suspended prison sentence of four years

Personal Comments

What lesson have you learned through this experience?

As I have gone through this trial, there have been many things beyond my control. What is in my power, however, is the ability to set the right priorities. This world continues to get worse, so I keep increasing the amount of spiritual food I take in. This includes setting aside sufficient time for reading and meditating on God’s Word. As long as I keep following this routine, I am confident that Jehovah will never abandon me.

We take comfort in knowing that Jehovah remains ever alert to the needs of his people and is always ready to strengthen and help them.—Psalm 121:3, 4.

Jehovah’s Witnesses