NOVEMBER 6, 2023 | UPDATED: DECEMBER 26, 2023
RUSSIA

UPDATE—BROTHERS IMPRISONED | Despite Detainment, Brothers Remain Joyful

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On December 22, 2023, the Cheryomushkinskiy District Court convicted Brothers Sean Pike, Aleksandr Rumyantsev, and Eduard Sviridov. Sean was sentenced to seven years in prison. Aleksandr was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison. This is one of the longest sentences since the ban was introduced in 2017. Eduard was sentenced to six years and six months in prison. All three brothers were in pretrial detention and will remain in custody.

Profiles

Sean Pike

Born: 1971 (Georgetown, Guyana)

Biography: Moved to Russia to attend university. Became a civil engineer

Was contacted by Jehovah’s Witnesses while a student at the university. Was impressed by the practical wisdom of Bible counsel. Baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1997

Married Tatyana in 2001. They have two daughters

Personal Comments from Sean’s wife, Tatyana a

What is helping you and your husband to cope with being apart for these last two years due to his detention?

It was very difficult at first for both of us. We went through a process of feeling fear, grief, and finally acceptance of the situation. What is helping him is the support he is getting from brothers and sisters around the world. Also, the girls and I write to him often to assure him of our love. And, of course, Jehovah’s attention and care have been evident from the very beginning. I have found comfort by meditating on what is said at Psalm 18:16, 19: “He reached down from on high; he took hold of me and pulled me from deep waters. He brought me out into a place of safety; he rescued me because he was pleased with me.” The expression “deep waters” makes me think of the detention center that is keeping Sean and me apart. I cannot physically be with him to assist, but Jehovah can easily stretch out his arms to help keep Sean safe.

Aleksandr Rumyantsev

Born: 1977 (Moscow, Moscow Region)

Biography: Worked as a chauffeur. Was caring for his disabled mother before being detained

Studied with Jehovah’s Witnesses to find out what the Bible teaches. Baptized in 2006

Personal Comments

How have you felt Jehovah’s support during the time you have been detained?

It is comforting to know that brothers and sisters all over the world are praying for me. I know this is part of Jehovah’s support. And the speed with which Jehovah seems to answer my prayers now is something that I have never experienced before in my life. I feel such a sense of calm and peace. This reminds me of what is written at 2 Corinthians 1:5: “For just as the sufferings for the Christ abound in us, so the comfort we receive through the Christ also abounds.” All these things add to my joy.

Eduard Sviridov

Born: 1964 (Dushanbe, Tajikistan)

Biography: Worked as a tractor operator

Married Yelena in 1997

Decided to read the entire Bible on his own. Soon after, he and Yelena were contacted by Jehovah’s Witnesses and began to study with them. Both were baptized in 1999

Personal Comments

What helps you to remain joyful despite being in detention?

I am maintaining a good state of mind through my Bible reading, prayer, and the support I am receiving from our worldwide brotherhood. I also think it’s important to keep a positive attitude. Life is like a photograph—it turns out better when you smile. When I think about my situation, I choose to thank Jehovah for using it to train me. I am also grateful for the opportunity I have to give a reply to the one taunting him.—Proverbs 27:11.

The examples of Sean, Aleksandr, Eduard, and their families remind us that “Jehovah is good, a stronghold in the day of distress. He is mindful of those seeking refuge in him.”—Nahum 1:7.

Time Line

August 25, 2021

Homes searched. All three brothers detained
August 27, 2021

Sean, Aleksandr, and Eduard transferred to pretrial detention
November 14, 2022

Criminal trial began

a It was not possible to obtain personal comments from Brother Pike.

Jehovah’s Witnesses

UPDATE—BROTHERS IMPRISONED | Despite Detainment, Brothers Remain Joyful

Profiles

Time Line

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