Since 2010, two members of Sergiev Posad have been prosecuted for their faith. Below is a brief biography of them.
VYACHESLAV STEPANOV (39 years old, pictured left) was born and raised in Sergiev Posad, in a large family. His parents worked at a well-known electromechanical plant in the city. As a child, Vyacheslav cherished his grandfather's carpentry tools. After the 8th grade, he began working at a construction site, completing his education at night school. Currently, Vyacheslav earns a living in the construction industry. He made his religious choice at the conscious age of 23. At the age of 30, he started a family with a girl who shares his values and views. Now, when Vyacheslav is being prosecuted, Oksana has become an invaluable assistant and support for him.
ANDREY SIVAK (42 years old, pictured right) grew up in a large family on the Kolyma River in the Magadan Region, where his parents participated in the construction of a hydroelectric power station. Andrey was fond of sports and received the profession of a physical education teacher. In the mid-1990s, Andrey started a family and had children. After moving to Sergiev Posad, he and his wife began to profess the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses. In 2008, their third child was born. The charges, numerous court hearings, the invasion of the police house with a search - all this became a difficult test for the family, including Andrei's mother. In addition, when Andrey (as well as Vyacheslav Stepanov) was included in the list of "accomplices of extremism" before the court decision, he was forced to leave teaching - he used to work as a children's football coach. With his family, Andrey prays that the court will understand the absurdity of the charges against him and his co-religionist, Vyacheslav Stepanov.