Imprisoned Pastor Suffers Stroke

Article18, HRANA, VOM-USA 17 April 2025

Pastor Nasser Navard Gol-Tapeh is in a suit and seated on a sofa. — Pastor Nasser Navard Gol-Tapeh
Photo: Article 18

In 2017, Pastor Nasser Navard Gol-Tapeh was sentenced to ten years in prison for his Christian ministry activities. Though pardoned and released in 2022, the pastor was suddenly rearrested on February 6th of this year. (Read more.)

Following this recent rearrest, Pastor Nasser was held without charge and denied legal representation. As a last resort, the detained believer began a hunger strike not long after his imprisonment. Regrettably, he was found unconscious in his solitary-confinement cell on March 17th. The Christian leader was subsequently rushed to hospital, where it was determined that he had suffered a stroke.

The 63-year-old convert received basic medical treatment and was provided with exercises to help regain movement on the left side of his body. Despite the physician's recommendations for physiotherapy and continued treatment, he was then returned to prison. While Pastor Nasser has since ended his hunger strike, he continues to suffer from lack of movement in his left arm and leg.

In addition to Pastor Nasser's arrest, Pastor Joseph Shahbazian and two Christian women were also taken into custody on February 6th. Concerns are presently being raised over the fate of the two women, one of whom has since been identified as "Aida." It is understood that this recently imprisoned believer is being detained in the women's ward of the notorious Evin Prison. To review previously posted reports and/or informative video documentaries concerning the persecution of Christians in Iran, go to our country profile.

As you pray for Pastor Nasser's physical healing and strength, ask the Lord to put it on the hearts of prison officials to ensure this long-suffering Christian leader receives the recommended medical treatment to help him during his journey to recovery.
While prayerfully upholding Pastor Nasser, and the three mentioned believers who were recently detained, please also remember the many other Christians presently imprisoned in Iran – as well as their concerned families.
While awaiting their hopeful soon release, may these imprisoned followers of Jesus receive opportunities to share their hope in Christ with those around them, helping to lead fellow prisoners and officials to faith in the Risen Lord.

Current Ministry Fund
By funding television broadcasts, VOMC is making it possible for a vast audience of viewers to be reached throughout Iran with the "Good News" of Jesus' love via satellite.

Project Fund: Underground Church
Country Information
Designation
Persecuted

Population
87,590,873 (2023 est.)

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

Religion (%)
Islam (98.5), Christian (0.7), Baha'i (0.3), agnostic (0.3), other (0.2)

Leader
Ayatollah Ali Hoseini-Khamenei (1989)

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.

Iran News

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Mehran Shamloui
Photo: Article 18

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A map of Iran, marking the arrests
of Christians since June 24, 2025.
(Click on the image for a larger view.)
Photo: Article18

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Photo: Article 18

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Laleh Saati
Photo: Article18

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