Throughout history, countless individuals have claimed to be divine figures, but few have managed to attract thousands of devoted followers. One such figure is Sergei Torop, a former Russian traffic officer who reinvented himself as Vissarion, the self-proclaimed reincarnation of Jesus Christ. From a humble beginning in the late 1980s, his religious movement, The Church of the Last Testament, has grown into a self-sustaining, isolated community in Siberia. But in 2020, Russian authorities put an end to his spiritual reign, arresting him on charges of fraud, psychological abuse, and forming an illegal religious organization.
So, who is Vissarion, and why did thousands leave their lives behind to follow him into the Siberian wilderness?
From Traffic Cop to ‘Son of God’
Vissarion’s journey began in 1989 when he lost his job as a traffic officer. Shortly after, during a period of economic and political chaos in post-Soviet Russia, he claimed to have had a divine revelation—he was Jesus Christ reincarnated, sent to guide humanity toward salvation.
With religious restrictions loosening in Russia after the fall of the Soviet Union, he quickly gathered a following. He renamed himself Vissarion and established The Church of the Last Testament, a religion that blends Christianity, Buddhism, and New Age spiritualism. His followers believe that Vissarion is here to lead humanity through the apocalypse, which he has predicted multiple times (though the predicted doomsdays have repeatedly come and gone).
Life Inside the Church of the Last Testament
Vissarion’s followers, numbering between 5,000 and 10,000, primarily live in “The City of the Sun”, a secluded settlement in the Krasnoyarsk region of Siberia. Isolated from the rest of society, they follow a strict set of rules and dedicate their lives to self-sufficiency, worship, and survivalist ideals.
Key beliefs and rules within the community:
- Veganism is mandatory—followers are forbidden from eating meat, and their diet is largely restricted to grains, vegetables, mushrooms, honey, and flatbreads.
- Money is banned—all goods are shared communally, and followers live off the land.
- No alcohol, smoking, or swearing—purity and discipline are central to their daily lives.
- Gender roles are rigidly enforced—women are raised to be submissive wives and mothers, while men are taught to be laborers and providers.
- Polygamy is allowed (with conditions)—a man can take multiple wives, but only with the permission of his first wife.
- Traditional Christian holidays are replaced—instead of Christmas, followers celebrate Vissarion’s birthday on January 14, and their version of Easter falls on August 18, the day of his supposed divine awakening.
Why Did People Follow Him?
During the economic instability of the early 1990s, many Russians felt lost and disillusioned. Vissarion provided a sense of purpose, community, and escape from the hardships of the modern world. His followers believed they were part of a spiritual utopia, free from capitalism, political corruption, and moral decay.
For some, the appeal was simple: a life of simplicity and unity in nature, far removed from the struggles of city life. Others were drawn by his charismatic presence, his promises of enlightenment, and the hope that they would be among the chosen few to survive the end of the world.
The Fall of Vissarion: Arrest and Investigation
While Vissarion maintained control over his followers for more than 30 years, outside suspicions about his movement began to grow. Reports from former followers and journalists suggested that life inside the community was far from the idyllic paradise it claimed to be.
Allegations surfaced of abuse, manipulation, and even criminal activity, including:
- Emotional and psychological control—followers were discouraged from questioning his authority.
- Financial exploitation—despite banning money, followers were allegedly pressured into donating their savings upon joining the group.
- Sexual abuse and child marriages—whispers of pedophilia and forced relationships within the community circulated.
- Neglect and preventable deaths—due to the strict dietary rules and rejection of modern medicine, some followers reportedly died from treatable illnesses.
In September 2020, Russian authorities launched a dramatic raid on Vissarion’s settlement, arriving by helicopter and heavily armed. Vissarion and his two closest aides were arrested and charged with forming an illegal religious group, extortion, and emotional abuse.
What’s Next for Vissarion and His Followers?
As of now, Vissarion remains in custody, with Russian courts determining the future of his movement. Authorities are considering banning the Church of the Last Testament altogether, but the decision remains uncertain. Meanwhile, many of his followers continue to uphold their beliefs, refusing to accept that their leader may have deceived them.
Some members have left the community, speaking out about the harsh realities of life under Vissarion. However, others remain fiercely loyal, believing that his arrest is part of a greater spiritual test—or even a fulfillment of his prophecies.
The Age-Old Question: Messiah or Manipulator?
Vissarion is just one of many figures throughout history who have claimed to be divine messengers, prophets, or reincarnations of religious figures. From Jim Jones and David Koresh to contemporary self-proclaimed messiahs, these leaders often attract thousands, promising salvation, enlightenment, or an escape from modern struggles.
But where is the line between spiritual leader and cult manipulator? Doomsday predictions, financial control, strict isolation, and allegations of abuse tend to be recurring patterns in these movements.
For now, Vissarion’s fate is in the hands of the Russian courts. Whether his movement collapses or continues in some form remains to be seen. But his story serves as a stark reminder of the power of belief—and how easily it can be exploited.