Biography
Jehovah's Witnesses in Crimea have been persecuted on religious grounds more than once. In March 2023, Yuriy Gerashchenko, a peaceful resident of the picturesque peninsula, happened to be among the victims of repression.
Yuriy was born in 1979 in the city of Lutsk. His mother raised him alone. When the boy was 4, they moved to Crimea. Yuriy's mother, a primary school teacher, was offered a job and an apartment there.
As a child, Yuriy was fond of football, hockey, gymnastics, also engaged in clay modeling, photography and macramé, and had a junior category in chess. After school, he received the specialty of a controller of radio-electronic equipment and instruments. He worked as a TV debugger, loader and furniture maker, and from 2012 until his arrest—as an electrician.
Learning about God from the Bible comforted Yuriy, as he realized that he had a Father and a Defender was God himself. Studying this ancient book, its historical and scientific background, as well as its prophecies, Yuriy became convinced of its authenticity and decided to apply Bible knowledge in his life. In 2000, the young man decided to become one of Jehovah's Witnesses.
In 2002, Yuriy married Irina. The couple has common religious views. They love to enjoy the nature of Crimea, discovering new places on the peninsula. Also, according to tradition, every year the couple went to the Crimean Mountains with friends for a few days with an overnight stay.
The criminal prosecution and search in September 2022 greatly affected the life of the couple, bringing many difficulties. The worries were added by the fact that by the decision of the court of appeal, the believer went to the colony. Despite all the difficulties, the couple try not to lose their hearts.
Friends, neighbors, and colleagues do not understand why the man was thrown behind bars—they know him as a decent, kind and peace-loving person. They support Irina and worry about Yuriy.