Biography
Programmer and physics teacher Andrey Okhapkin was personally convinced of the historical and mathematical accuracy of biblical prophecies. However, in the fall of 2021, because of his love for the Bible, he was prosecuted — the believer was searched, after which he was detained and placed in a pre-trial detention center.
Andrey was born in May 1962 in the city of Zavolzhsk (Ivanovo region). He has an elder sister, his parents are already dead. Since childhood, Andrey was fond of football, loved to read, solved mathematical problems.
Andrey graduated from the Faculty of Mathematics and Mechanics of St. Petersburg State University. During his studies, he met Irina, and in 1987 they got married.
In the same year, the couple moved to Severodvinsk (Arkhangelsk region), where their daughter was born. Andrey returned to his homeland — to Zavolzhsk — with his family in 1998 to take care of his elderly father, which he did until his death. The Okhapkins lived in Kostroma for some time, and then settled in Kineshma (Ivanovo region).
In 1994, Irina became acquainted with Bible teachings. She was convinced that the advice from the Bible helps to build a happy family life and properly raise her daughter. Later Andrey also began to read the Bible. He noted: "I made sure that there is a Creator, and life has meaning." He was also convinced of the truth of the Holy Scriptures by precisely fulfilled Bible prophecies. The daughter of the Okhapkins, like her parents, later also embarked on the Christian path.
Andrey worked as a programmer for 24 years and then taught physics in college. He enjoys studying the stars, watching football, solving Sudoku. Together with his wife, they love to be in nature, are engaged in Scandinavian walking. Irina is fond of patchwork sewing and making soft toys.
The criminal prosecution destroyed the Okhapkins' habitual way of life. After his arrest, Andrey lost his job, the family lost their main source of income. Irina is concerned about the state of health of her husband, from whom she was separated: on the eve of his arrest, he suffered COVID-19 in a serious form and did not have time to recover. He also suffers from serious chronic diseases.
Andrey's relatives consider his persecution and arrest a violation of human rights to freedom of religion.