Not Complying With Orthodoxy​—A Crime!

Vasile Gherman was a young married man. His wife had just given birth to a baby girl when Fascists arrested him in December 1942. Vasile was charged with two “crimes”​—refusing to perform military service and failing to have his daughter baptized in the Orthodox Church. He relates what happened: “In February 1943, my case, along with that of 69 other faithful brothers, was to be heard at Chernovtsy before a military court. Before the actual sentencing, the authorities forced us to witness the execution of six criminals. Hence, we felt sure that we were next on the list to receive the death penalty.

“We talked the matter over among ourselves and resolved to stay strong in faith and to make every effort to maintain a joyful disposition right through the trial. With Jehovah’s help, we succeeded. When, as expected, all 70 of us received the death sentence, we really felt that we were suffering for righteousness’ sake. None of us felt discouraged, much to the chagrin of our enemies. Then came a surprise. Instead of having us shot, the authorities changed our sentences to 25 years of forced labor at the camp in Aiud, Romania. But even that sentence was not fully carried out, for just 18 months later, in August 1944, the advancing Soviet army liberated the camp.”

[Picture on page 93]

Vasile Gherman