{"id":42217,"date":"2022-05-03T14:00:45","date_gmt":"2022-05-03T05:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vomkorea.com\/?p=42217"},"modified":"2022-05-13T11:45:35","modified_gmt":"2022-05-13T02:45:35","slug":"vomk-report-203","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vomkorea.com\/en\/2022\/05\/03\/vomk-report-203\/","title":{"rendered":"RUSSIA: DEACON BEGINS SECOND YEAR IN PRISON AS CHURCH CELEBRATES \u201cGLORIOUS VICTORY\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”42192″ img_size=”full”][vc_custom_heading text=”Authorities demolished part of their building, sent them the bill, and jailed a deacon who came to their aid, but the Baptist Church in Archangelsk, Russia is praising God for what they call a \u201cglorious victory\u201d as the deacon begins his second year in prison.” font_container=”tag:p|font_size:1.2em|text_align:left” google_fonts=”font_family:Noto%20Sans%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” el_class=”headline”][vc_column_text]According to Voice of the Martyrs Korea Representative Dr<\/span>.<\/span> Hyun Sook Foley, problems began for the <\/span>small Baptist <\/span>church <\/span>in <\/span>201<\/span>6<\/span> when <\/span>private developers and the city government <\/span>began court proceedings <\/span>to claim land on which part of the church building sat. \u201cThe church<\/span>\u2019s<\/span> building <\/span>was<\/span> surrounded by dilapidated houses<\/span>, but the city had plans for high rise apartments and a commercial center in the area,\u201d says Representative Foley. \u201c<\/span>So<\/span> through the courts they <\/span>declared<\/span> several of the homes and buildings as illegal construction, including part of the church\u2019s building.\u201d<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]With the court order in hand, <\/span>says Representative Foley, <\/span>demolition crews <\/span>went <\/span>to<\/span> the church building <\/span>repeatedly <\/span>over the next three years in attempts to <\/span>tear down the disputed <\/span>portion, but each time they came<\/span>, <\/span>church members <\/span>gathered and prevented the demolition. \u201cThe church members <\/span>always responded peacefully<\/span>, insist<\/span>ing<\/span> that their building was properly permitted,\u201d says Representative Foley.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Then on September 24, <\/span>2020<\/span> when a demolition crew arrived, <\/span>church <\/span>members <\/span>formed a human chain around the church building<\/span>. <\/span>28-year-old<\/span> Deacon <\/span>Koldiaev<\/span>, a <\/span>former <\/span>member of the church before moving to a nearby city, had returned to <\/span>support the church. <\/span>A junior bailiff <\/span>broke the human chain by <\/span>pull<\/span>ing <\/span>first <\/span>Deacon<\/span> Koldiaev<\/span> and then other church members <\/span>out of the <\/span>line <\/span>and t<\/span>aking <\/span>them <\/span>to the police station<\/span>. <\/span>Later, says Representative Foley, the bailiff alleged that <\/span>Deacon<\/span> Koldiaev<\/span> had <\/span>stepped out of the chain and <\/span>assaulted him. <\/span>The <\/span>deacon<\/span> was charged with <\/span>\u201c<\/span>u<\/span>se of violence dangerous to life or health against a representative of the authorities\u201d, <\/span>a<\/span> crime <\/span>punishable<\/span> by <\/span>up to ten years<\/span> in prison<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_single_image image=”42196″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>D<\/span>uring the trial, the defense showed <\/span>video <\/span>of the event <\/span>which clearly exonerated <\/span>Deacon<\/span> Koldiaev<\/span>,\u201d says Representative Foley. \u201c<\/span>Despite th<\/span>at<\/span> video, despite any witnesses to support the <\/span>bailiff<\/span>\u2019s claim, and even despite the bailiff repeated<\/span>ly<\/span> changing his testimony<\/span>, <\/span>Deacon<\/span> Koldiaev<\/span> was <\/span>convicted on May 13, <\/span>2021<\/span> and sentenced to two years in prison<\/span>.<\/span>\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

\u201cTo make matters worse, <\/span>Deacon<\/span> Koldiaev<\/span>\u2019s<\/span> infant son fell and hit his head ten days before the start of <\/span>his <\/span>trial, suffering a traumatic brain injury<\/span>,<\/span>\u201d says Representative Foley. <\/span>\u201cHis wife<\/span> Anna<\/span> was unable to be with him even to see him off to prison because she <\/span>was <\/span>at the hospital with <\/span>their child.\u201d<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]But <\/span>according to Anna <\/span>Koldiaev<\/span>a<\/span>, the result of the trial was not a surprise to the couple.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

\u201cW<\/span>e did not expect an honest trial and justice – it does not exist and will not exist on this sinful earth<\/span>,\u201d <\/span>said <\/span>Mrs. <\/span>Koldiaev<\/span>a<\/span> in comments to the <\/span>International Union of <\/span>Churches of <\/span>Evangelical Christian Baptist<\/span>s<\/span>. <\/span>\u201c<\/span>T<\/span>he Lord establishes His church<\/span> and<\/span> prepares us for the fact that there is little time left. He allows this to resurrect and awaken.<\/span>\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”42215″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_custom_heading text=”28-year-old deacon Vyacheslav Koldiaev being transported from Solombalsky District Court in Arkhangelsk to prison in spring 2021.” font_container=”tag:p|font_size:13px|text_align:center|color:%230a0a0a|line_height:1.45em” google_fonts=”font_family:Noto%20Sans%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”42200″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_custom_heading text=”8-year-old deacon Vyacheslav Koldiaev surrounded by members of the Baptist Church in Archangelsk, Russia as he prepares to go to court. He was convicted on May 13, 2021 and ordered to serve a two-year sentence.” font_container=”tag:p|font_size:13px|text_align:center|color:%230a0a0a|line_height:1.45em” google_fonts=”font_family:Noto%20Sans%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]She says the couple\u2019s<\/span> son<\/span>, now <\/span>one<\/span> year old,<\/span> is <\/span>steadily improving<\/span>. <\/span>The couple also <\/span>now <\/span>has a <\/span>three-year-old<\/span> son. <\/span>\u201c<\/span>Don’t be too sad for our family<\/span>,\u201d she<\/span> said in remarks to the <\/span>International Union of Churches of Evangelical Christian Baptists<\/span>.<\/span> \u201c<\/span>This is only a small part of the sorrow of the children of God.<\/span>\u201d Mrs<\/span>.<\/span> Koldiaev<\/span>a<\/span> says <\/span>she <\/span>receive<\/span>s<\/span> child benefits and material support provided by friends<\/span>.<\/span> \u201c<\/span>Thank God, there is enough for everything<\/span>,\u201d she adds<\/span>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Mrs. <\/span>Koldiaev<\/span>a<\/span> told the online Evangelical <\/span>portal <\/span>Vernost<\/span> that she and her husband were ready <\/span>to suffer for <\/span>their <\/span>faith<\/span>, concluding that \u201c<\/span>if God allows him to go to <\/span>prison<\/span> then there is a need for him to be there<\/span>.<\/span>\u201d<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]In a letter written from prison dated December 21, <\/span>2021<\/span> and shared by the <\/span>International Union of Churches of Evangelical Christian Baptists<\/span> with its members<\/span>, <\/span>Deacon<\/span> Koldiaev<\/span> wrote, \u201c<\/span>The Lord had a need for the <\/span>c<\/span>hurch, a minister in bonds.\u00a0 He conceived the best for the <\/span>c<\/span>hurch and all that was required from me is my consent to go this way (from me and from my wife), and <\/span>[we gave that consent] <\/span>a long time ago.<\/span>\u201d<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Roman <\/span>Tulupa<\/span>, a member of <\/span>Archangelsk Church<\/span>,<\/span> had a phone <\/span>conversation with <\/span>Deacon<\/span> Koldiaev<\/span> on <\/span>March 20<\/span> which he shared with the <\/span>International Union of Churches of Evangelical Christian Baptists<\/span>.<\/span> \u201cThe brother is cheerful in spirit, he tries to preach the gospel to our fellow countrymen<\/span>,\u201d says Mr<\/span>.<\/span> Tulupa<\/span>. <\/span>\u201c<\/span>Not a few reindeer herders who have heard the Good News in our tundra <\/span>[from missionaries] <\/span>are forced to listen to it again <\/span>[<\/span>in <\/span>prison],<\/span> from the mouth of our prisoner brother. May it all be for their salvation!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]As for the church, <\/span>according to Representative Foley, <\/span>a private construction company, executing a court decision, demolished part of the church building and <\/span>sent the church the bill<\/span>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”42203″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_custom_heading text=”The Koldiaev family.” font_container=”tag:p|font_size:13px|text_align:center|color:%230a0a0a|line_height:1.45em” google_fonts=”font_family:Noto%20Sans%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”42207″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_custom_heading text=”The building of the Baptist Church in Archangelsk, Russia. The right-hand side of the building was considered unauthorized construction and was demolished according to the court decision.” font_container=”tag:p|font_size:13px|text_align:center|color:%230a0a0a|line_height:1.45em” google_fonts=”font_family:Noto%20Sans%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

\u201cThe church even looks on the partial demolition of their building as a blessing,\u201d says Representative Foley. \u201cThey raised the funds <\/span>and <\/span>pa<\/span>id for the illegal dismantling without complaint<\/span>. T<\/span>hey were even able to fully and legally register the<\/span> building despite the chief architect of the city telling them it would never be allowed.\u201d<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]What pleases church members most of <\/span>all, according to <\/span>Representative Foley<\/span>, is that the new wall that was installed to replace the portion of the building <\/span>that was torn down has the text of the Lord\u2019s Prayer printed on it in large letters that are lit at night so that it <\/span>will be <\/span>clearly visible from <\/span>the <\/span>high-rise <\/span>apartments and commercial <\/span>buildings being built nearby.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Voice of the Martyrs Korea is undertaking a letter writing campaign to encourage <\/span>Deacon<\/span> Koldiaev<\/span>, whose prison sentence is scheduled to end on Ma<\/span>rch 3, 2023.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Representative Foley says, \u201cIn his p<\/span>rison letter dated Dec 21, 2021<\/span>, <\/span>Deacon<\/span> Koldiaev<\/span> wrote<\/span>, \u2018W<\/span>e rejoice and are greatly encouraged when we receive a note <\/span>that <\/span>says<\/span> \u2018<\/span>I am praying for you<\/span>\u2019<\/span>. He <\/span>adds, \u2018A<\/span> verse<\/span> [of scripture]<\/span>, as an encouragement for a believer and an edification for unbelievers, if on a postcard, can be presented to a non-Christian neighbor as a keepsake and will serve him well in strengthening his faith<\/span>.\u2019\u201d<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Representative Foley recommends writing <\/span>Deacon<\/span> Koldiaev<\/span> in Russian if possible, using an Internet translator website and scripture lookup <\/span>app <\/span>that includes Russian Bible versions.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”42210″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_custom_heading text=”The remodeled building of the Baptist Church in Archangelsk, Russia.” font_container=”tag:p|font_size:13px|text_align:center|color:%230a0a0a|line_height:1.45em” google_fonts=”font_family:Noto%20Sans%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”42213″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_custom_heading text=”The remodeled building of the Baptist Church in Archangelsk, Russia, now with the text of the Lord\u2019s Prayer illuminated around the clock, to be visible from new high-rise buildings nearby.” font_container=”tag:p|font_size:13px|text_align:center|color:%230a0a0a|line_height:1.45em” google_fonts=”font_family:Noto%20Sans%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Letters to Deacon Koldiaev can be sent to the following prison address:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Koldiaev Vyacheslav Igorevich\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

IK-14 UFSIN ROSSII\u00a0<\/strong>
\nSpetsgorodok, d.1 A\u00a0<\/strong>
\nD. Gorka-Muravevskaya\u00a0<\/strong>
\nArkhangelskaya oblast, Velskiy rayon\u00a0<\/strong>
\n165115, Russia\u00a0<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Representative Foley says that Voice of the Martyrs Korea supports family members of Christians imprisoned for their faith. Donations can be made to the Families of Martyrs and Families of Prisoners (FOM\/FOP) fund at <\/span>www.vomkorea.com\/en\/donation<\/a><\/span> or via electronic transfer to:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\uad6d\ubbfc\uc740\ud589<\/span> (KB Bank) 463501-01-243303<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\uc608\uae08\uc8fc<\/span> (Account Holder): (<\/span>\uc0ac<\/span>)<\/span>\uc21c\uad50\uc790\uc758\uc18c\ub9ac<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Please include the phrase \u201cFOM\/FOP\u201d (for \u201cFamilies of Martyrs and Families of Prisoners\u201d) with the donation.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"[vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”42192″ img_size=”full”][vc_custom_heading text=”Authorities demolished part of their building, sent them the bill, and jailed a deacon who came to their aid, but the Baptist Church in Archangelsk, Russia is …","protected":false},"author":659,"featured_media":42193,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"give_campaign_id":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[857,235,869,140],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-42217","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-russian-special","category-special-column","category-china-special","category-vomk-report"],"translation":{"provider":"WPGlobus","version":"3.0.2","language":"en","enabled_languages":["ko","en","zh","ru"],"languages":{"ko":{"title":true,"content":true,"excerpt":false},"en":{"title":true,"content":true,"excerpt":false},"zh":{"title":true,"content":true,"excerpt":false},"ru":{"title":true,"content":true,"excerpt":false}}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vomkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42217","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vomkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vomkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vomkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/659"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vomkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=42217"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/vomkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42217\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vomkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42193"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vomkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42217"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vomkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42217"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vomkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=42217"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}