Honouring a pillar of the Iranian Church
How a brave Christian leader touched the lives of countless believers
The inspiring life and ministry of the Rev. Edward Hovsepian-Mehr was honoured at a memorial service in London, broadcast live online by SAT-7 PARS for Iranian viewers around the world.
The event took place on Saturday (25 July) at the Iranian Church in London following his death on 26 June. It was attended by hundreds of people including many Iranian Christian leaders who highlighted Pastor Edward’s legacy.
“Brother Edward is undoubtedly one of the most prominent and influential figures in the modern history of the Church in Iran,” said Dr Mehrdad Fatehi, Director of the PARS Theological Centre. “We are certain that, years from now, when the history of the Iranian Church is written, Brother Edward’s name will shine brightly among its stars.”
Spiritual father
Pastor Edward was a well-known and widely respected leader of the Iranian Church, both in its homeland and in the West, recognised for his unflagging courage and commitment. He also enjoyed a long and fruitful association with SAT-7’s Persian-language channel, and hundreds of tributes to him have poured in from viewers.
Always much more than a pastor and teacher, he was a spiritual father and mentor whose ministry touched and transformed the lives of countless people, inspiring hope in dark times and strengthening churches under severe persecution.
The memorial service included moments of mourning, but it was also a celebration of Pastor Edward’s life. Christians who had served with him or been mentored by him shared powerful stories of his impact on the Church and their own growth in ministry.
“Edward had a warm, sincere and joyful personality, and his presence was a source of encouragement, hope and blessing to many,” said Pastor Souren Sarkissian. “His humility, kindness, steadfast faith and deep love for God touched the lives of countless people throughout the world.”
Bold ministry
Edward Hovsepian-Mehr was born in 1950 into one of Iran’s historic Christian communities, but as a pastor he felt called by God to share the Gospel with people from the majority faith. After serving churches in Isfahan and Urmia, he moved to Tehran to lead the central Assemblies of God congregation. There he was often summoned by the security forces and received numerous threatening phone calls.
In 1994, tragedy struck the family when Pastor Edward’s brother, the Rev. Haik Hovsepian-Mehr, President of the Council of Protestant Churches in Iran, was kidnapped and murdered. Pastor Edward took over leadership of the churches and served faithfully under many pressures and restrictions. But eventually, he and his family were forced into exile.
Settling in the UK, Pastor Edward continued his ministry, strengthening, encouraging and pastoring thousands of Persian-speaking people around the world through sermons, Bible studies and conferences. He acted as superintendent of a network of churches in the UK and Europe and continued to visit the Middle East to teach believers from Iran. From 2003 he led the Iranian Church in London.
Pastor Edward was a regular broadcaster on SAT-7 PARS and testified to the impact of the channel on the Christians in Iran. His last appearance was just over two weeks before he died, when he prayed in faith for peace, hope and salvation for his homeland. Other members of his family also serve the channel: his daughter Rozita presents live programmes, and his nephews Joseph and Gilbert produce teaching and worship shows.
Panayiotis Keenan, Executive Director of SAT-7 PARS, said it was an “honour” to be invited to Pastor Edward’s private funeral on Friday (24 July) as well as the memorial service on Saturday. He paid this heartfelt tribute:
“Brother Edward faithfully served SAT-7 PARS from the early 2000s, dedicating many years to the ministry with unwavering commitment and a servant’s heart. As a respected spiritual leader, his teaching, wisdom and pastoral care had a profound impact on countless Persian-speaking viewers. Through his faithful ministry, many were encouraged in their walk with Christ, strengthened in their faith and inspired to grow deeper in their relationship with the Lord. His legacy will continue to bear fruit in the lives of those he faithfully served.”