MARCH 19, 2024 | UPDATED: FEBRUARY 19, 2025
RUSSIA

UPDATE—COUPLE SENTENCED | ‘Jehovah Is the One Comforting Me’

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On February 19, 2025, the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy City Court of the Kamchatka Territory convicted Brother Sergey Chechulin and his wife, Sister Yelena Chechulina, and gave them each a six-year suspended prison sentence. They are not required to go to prison at this time.

On October 30, 2024, the Ninth General Jurisdiction Court of Cassation in Vladivostok overturned the conviction of Brother Sergey Chechulin and his wife, Sister Yelena Chechulina. Their case will now be returned to the original court for retrial.

On April 22, 2024, the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy City Court of the Kamchatka Territory convicted Brother Sergey Chechulin and his wife, Sister Yelena Chechulina. They each received a suspended prison sentence of two years. They are not required to go to prison at this time.

Profiles

Sergey Chechulin

Born: 1968 (Tymlat, Kamchatka Territory)

Biography: Grew up in an orphanage. Works as a repairman for a heating company

Was invited to attend a meeting of Jehovah’s Witnesses by a friend who had begun to study the Bible. Sergey found logical answers to his questions. Baptized in 1995

Married Yelena in 2000. They have one son

Personal Comments

Is there a Bible verse that has taken on greater meaning for you and your wife?

We are under travel restrictions, our vehicle is seized, and our bank accounts are frozen. But we now appreciate even more the words at Psalm 55:22: “Throw your burden on Jehovah, and he will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to fall.” Jehovah has promised to keep us from wavering. With his help, these circumstances have not sapped our strength. We are learning to rely more and more on Jehovah and our brotherhood. And we are more determined than ever to keep worshipping him fully.

Yelena Chechulina

Born: 1978 (Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy)

Biography: Works as a nurse

Yelena’s mother began to study with Jehovah’s Witnesses. This helped Yelena to recognize her own spiritual need, and she requested a Bible study. Baptized in 2000

Married Sergey in 2000

Personal Comments

What have you learned about Jehovah by going through this experience?

I have noticed that as circumstances in my life change, my understanding of the Bible deepens. For example, as I go through this persecution, I have a greater appreciation for what Paul wrote at Romans 8:38, 39: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” When Jehovah wishes to reassure me of his love, nothing can prevent him from doing so. And he does it in such a way that I am left with no doubt that he is the One comforting me. Jehovah does not remain silent or hide his love for his servants. I know that these experiences are going to help me to endure any future trials that come my way.

Like Sergey and Yelena, we too treasure the perfect gift of God’s Word as it restores our strength and gives us the wisdom we need to remain faithful even when under trial.—Psalm 19:7.

Time Line

September 25, 2022

Criminal case initiated
October 17, 2022

Home searched
September 6, 2023

Sergey placed under travel restrictions
September 7, 2023

Yelena placed under travel restrictions
December 26, 2023

Criminal trial began

Jehovah’s Witnesses

UPDATE—COUPLE SENTENCED | ‘Jehovah Is the One Comforting Me’

Profiles

Time Line

See Also

Jehovah’s Witnesses Imprisoned for Their Faith—By Location