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Naser Navard Gol-Tapeh
Naser Navard Gol-Tapeh
Photo: Article 18

In 2017, Naser Navard Gol-Tapeh was sentenced to ten years in prison for allegedly "acting against national security through the formation and establishment of an illegal church organization in his home." The arrest came after 30 police officers raided an engagement party he attended in June 2016. The authorities considered Naser the leader of the Christian gathering. For more details, go to this page.

Concerns have been raised about the health of the 60-year-old Christian who has spent over four years in Tehran's notorious Evin Prison. In mid-June, he was admitted to the hospital due to hearing loss in his left ear, which also affected his mobility and balance. He is presently awaiting the outcome of an MRI scan. Naser has repeatedly requested parole and a sentence review, but all of his requests have been denied.

In August 2021, Naser shared reflections from prison on persecution, forgiveness and justice. To listen to his audio message (with English subtitles), click here.

Please pray that Naser will experience complete healing. While awaiting eventual release from imprisonment, may he receive continued strength, hope and perseverance. Also pray that this faithful follower of Christ will experience the Holy Spirit's empowerment to respond to his persecutors with an attitude of forgiveness and grace. May the Lord's divine intervention and justice be manifested in Naser's legal case as well, especially in the decisions of Iran's court officials, allowing him to rightfully regain his freedom earlier than scheduled.

Current Ministry Fund

By funding television broadcasts, VOMC is making it possible for a vast audience of viewers throughout Iran to be reached via satellite with the "Good News" of Jesus' tremendous love for them. VOMC is also working with ministry partners to provide the Theology of Persecution course in the Farsi language so Iranian believers can be taught an accurate theological perspective and, therefore, gain a better understanding of persecution from a Biblical point of view.

Project Fund: Underground Church

Country Information

Designation
Persecuted

Population
85,888,910 (July 2021 est.)

Ethnicity
Persian, Azeri, Kurd, Lur, Baloch, Arab, Turkmen and Turkic tribes

Religion (%)
Islam (99.6), other, including Christian (0.3), Unspecified (0.2)

Leader
President Ebrahim Raisi (2021)

Government type
Theocratic republic

Legal system
Religious legal system based on secular and Islamic law

Source: CIA World Factbook

Pray for Iran

As the Gospel message goes forth over the airwaves, may the growth of the church continue to multiply despite persecution. Pray that the Iranian government will be open to change, allowing full rights and protection for its non-Muslim citizens as well. In the meantime, may those who are forced to flee the country find safe refuge and help so they can live in peace and worship the Lord with freedom.

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Iran News

  • Two Christians Released from Evin Prison
    Naser sitting in a home.
    Naser Navard Gol-Tapeh
    Photo: Article18

    When news broke out that Evin Prison in Tehran had experienced a fire on October 15th, families of the prisoners were rightly concerned about the safety of those who were inside during the incident. Sounds of gunfire had been heard in the prison, along with exp

    ...
  • Christian Couple Detained
    Sara Ahmadi and Homayoun Zhaveh
    Sara Ahmadi and Homayoun Zhaveh
    Photo: Article18

    Homayoun Zhaveh and his wife Sara Ahmadi have faced legal difficulties since June 2019 because of their faith. In November 2020, Sara was sentenced to 11 years in prison for her alleged role in leading a house church. Homayoun was sentenced to two yea

    ...
  • Appeal Denied for Detained Christians
    Anooshavan Avedian
    Anooshavan Avedian
    Photo: Article18

    Anooshavan Avedian is an Iranian‑Armenian Christian leader who was arrested for promoting "propaganda contrary to and disturbing to the holy religion of Islam" through the house church he operated in his home. He was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment, along wit

    ...
  • Health Concerns for Christian Prisoner
    Naser Navard Gol-Tapeh
    Naser Navard Gol-Tapeh
    Photo: Article 18

    In 2017, Naser Navard Gol-Tapeh was sentenced to ten years in prison for allegedly "acting against national security through the formation and establishment of an illegal church organization in his home." The arrest came after 30 police officers raided an enga

    ...