“The message of Easter is one of hope, victory, and love for all humankind. This is the message that the SAT-7 PARS channel wants to share and impart to its viewers through our Easter programming,” says Senior Manager Panayiotis Keenan.
Many Christians in the Farsi-speaking world face persecution for their faith; attending church or celebrating Easter is prohibited for Iranians inside Iran. The underground church is forced to meet in smaller circles to lower the risk of being discovered. Uncovered secret groups are often socially ostracised; they are forced to leave schools, jobs, or communities. Many have stopped attending home churches altogether as reports of Christians being arrested for their faith is not a rare occurrence.
REACHING THE UNDERGROUND CHURCH
Satellite TV is often the sole means of connecting and communicating with other Christians. Isolated Persian believers want to unite with the global church in celebrating Christ’s resurrection, and SAT-7 PARS gives them a way to do so.
“This makes our programs a greater need for them so that they can remember the Lords sacrifice on the cross,” explains Keenan.
“The cross is the foundation of our faith. It is important for us to offer many programs to our viewers; to teach, encourage, and remember the Lord’s sacrifice for us all.”
A SPECIAL LIVE SHOW
This Holy Thursday, Principles of Faith live show is airing a special episode to commemorate Easter. Rev Edward Hovsepian and Pastor Miltan Danil will discuss Jesus’s final hours before His crucifixion, death, and resurrection as recounted in Scripture. They will examine the symbolism of these events and how they still impact us today.
“Easter is at the heart of Christianity,” says Pastor Miltan, “because our salvation comes from Jesus’s crucifixion and His resurrection. Our primary aim is to tell viewers that today is the day for confession. We celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and our salvation.”
The special program will also commemorate the Last Supper by breaking bread and sharing wine with the presenters, guests, and crew on set. Viewers are encouraged to join in Holy Communion to remember the Lord’s sacrifice on the other side of the screen.
PRAYER FOR VIEWERS
“This Easter, my prayer is that our viewers will experience Jesus’ resurrecting power in their lives and that they will continue to grow in their faith and shine Christ’s light,” says Keenan.