Biography
In 2020 Viktor Chernov, a landscape designer from the village of Tavrichanka, began facing persecution for his belief in Jehovah God. His house was searched, and a year later, his wife died; another year later, a criminal case was initiated against him and he lost his job.
Viktor was born in April 1963 in the city of Vladivostok. His father worked as a carpenter, and his mother was a housewife and worked part-time as a watchman. There were 10 children in the family—five boys and five girls.
As a child, Viktor was fond of soccer and loved to fish and to take walks. As he grew older, he never lost his love for nature and the sea—he likes to grow coniferous plants, travel by boat around the islands, fish, and go to the taiga with friends in the fall.
Viktor has a specialized secondary education. He started working at the age of 15. He served in the army for two years, where he became a bricklayer. Later he learned six more professions. He was a sailor for eight years.
In the 1970s, Viktor's parents were introduced to the Bible, and they began to instill Christian values in their children. Viktor recalls: “My parents always loved to read the Bible. It was their handbook, and they loved to share what was written in it." As a result, all 10 children became Christians.
Observation of the world around him prompted Viktor to think about God and his creation. He recalls: “When I went to the sea, I saw whales, dolphins, killer whales, penguins, and many different birds. I loved to look at the stars and admire them." This prompted him to study the Bible more deeply. His future wife, Yevgeniya, shared his views. In 1993 they got married and decided to become Jehovah's Witnesses.
Yevgeniya worked as an electrician. Like Viktor, she loved growing flowers and conifers. The couple were married for 28 years and raised a son. Now dealing with the loss of his wife, Viktor says, “Being a widower is not easy. I have always loved taking care of my wife and son.”
Relatives and friends worry about Viktor and provide him support. Despite his health problems, he does not become discouraged, and he maintains a positive attitude.