Iranian pastor

Edward Hosvepian-Mehr, an Iranian pastor and doctor who led the Iranian Church for more than three decades, has died.

Born in Iran, Hosvepian-Mehr pastored there for over five decades before shifting focus to the Persian-speaking world.

During his time in Iran, he served in a challenging environment amidst the persecution of Christians, alongside threats and interrogations. He was later removed from church leadership and forced into exile by Iranian authorities. The church he led was closed in 2013 by the courts.

His brother, Bishop Haik Hosvepian-Mehr, was murdered in 1994 after campaigning for the release of a fellow pastor.