Biography
Anton Novopashin balances his creative approach to life with his thirst for knowledge and deep spiritual beliefs. However, he was arrested and detained because of peacefully practicing his religion.
Anton was born in February 1991 in Shchuchinsk (Kazakhstan). His mother is a trained seamstress; she works as a salesperson. His father is no longer alive. From childhood, Anton was creative and showed a keen interest in science: he enjoyed dancing with friends, and drawing, and at school he excelled in mathematics, chemistry and English, winning prices in competitions.
Anton graduated from the Faculty of Organic Chemistry of Tomsk State University. In his youth, he was interested in computers, programming, and composing electronic music. While studying at university, he also worked part-time as a postman and as a janitor. After graduating, he worked in home renovations and in an advertising agency and then qualified as a hairdresser.
Anton grew up in a family with spiritual questions. His mother tried to develop her son's interest in different religions. However, the turning point was when his father started studying the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses. He was seriously ill and understood that he might not have time to raise his son with high moral standards. Then his father offered Anton a deal: he would give up bad habits if his son started studying the Bible. This greatly impressed the teenager.
Anton was amazed that Jehovah's Witnesses showed him the name of God in his own copy of the Holy Scriptures. In 2009, on reaching adulthood, Anton became a Christian. His conduct and concern for loved ones convinced his mother that his faith was sincere and sparked her interest in the Bible.
Anton has been living in Tomsk since 2008. Here he not only found his career, but also a family — in 2023 he married Anastasia. "He is very caring. He also has strong faith in God and a great love for him. With this, he won my heart," she says. The couple work together in a beauty salon, specializing in hair care. Also they love cooking, especially Georgian cuisine, having guests round, skiing and climbing mountains.
Anton is an active person and has a kind heart. The prosecution for his faith came as a shock to his loved ones. His mother is taking what is happening very hard, which has affected her health. It hurts his wife, Anastasia, to see her loved one, who did not harm anyone, being tried.