https://youtu.be/Sg_26dRM7TI Memorial Service Program This transcript documents the memorial service for Bishop Dr. Edward Hovsepian-Mehr, a prominent leader in the Iranian Christian community, held on July 25, 2026. The ceremony, hosted by the Iranian Christian Church of North London and the Hamgam Council, serves as a comprehensive retrospective of his 60-year ministry, his role in the Iranian house church movement, and his personal legacy as a mentor and father figure. Key Takeaways Legacy of Resilience: Edward assumed leadership of the Assemblies of God (Jama’at-e Rabbani) churches in Iran during a period of intense persecution following the 1994 martyrdom of his brother, Bishop Haik Hovsepian. Strategic Innovation: He was a primary architect of the Iranian house church movement, shifting focus from centralized buildings to decentralized networks to ensure the survival and growth of the faith under political pressure. Theological Depth: Speakers emphasized his commitment to rigorous study, noting he spent at least three hours daily in reading and was a founding member of the Pars Theological Centre. Ecumenical Bridge-Building: His ministry transcended denominational lines, fostering unity among Baptist, Pentecostal, Evangelical, and Anglican traditions, as well as ethnic groups including Armenians, Assyrians, and Persians. Personal & Family Tributes The “Father” Figure: Multiple speakers, including Brother Milton and Brother Amir, described him not just as a bishop but as a “Father of the Church” who provided emotional and financial support to the families of Iranian Christian martyrs. Personal Balance: He was remembered for his love of football (stating he would have been a player if not a pastor), theater, and museums, advocating for a balanced and “rich” life. Family Legacy: His children (Rosita, Anita, Tali, and Hovan) and grandchildren were highlighted as the continuation of his ministry, with his granddaughters performing a poem in his honor. Audience Engagement & Context Global Reach: The service was broadcast live via Sat-7 and Mohabat TV, reaching thousands of viewers in Iran and the diaspora. Atmosphere: The event was characterized as a “celebration of life” rather than a traditional funeral, focusing on the “Blessed Hope” of resurrection. Community Impact: Testimonies from church members highlighted his non-judgmental nature, his ability to listen without rushing to advise, and his specific impact on individuals struggling with addiction or social displacement. Part 1 – Welcome (08:47) Rev. Dr. Feridoon Mokhof welcomes attendees, emphasizing the celebration of life and hope in the resurrection. On behalf of the leadership of the Iranian Christian Church of North London and the Hamgam Council, I thank you for joining us to celebrate the life of Brother Edward. We do not dwell in death, for we have the blessed hope of the resurrection. Part 2 – Opening Prayer (11:33) Rev. Kourosh Jahanshahi leads a prayer of gratitude for Edward’s 60+ years of service and his role as a “father” to the church. Lord Jesus, we come with hearts full of grief but hopeful in Your grace. We thank You for our shepherd, Brother Edward. We thank You for his 60 years of service, his 23 years in North London, and for showing us the true face of Christ Part 3 – Introduction (14:36) Rev. Mansour Borji introduces the service’s purpose: honouring a legacy of unity and love. Part 4 – Worship & Thanksgiving (18:21) Led by “Time for Worship,” featuring hymns in Persian and English (Blessed Assurance). Part 5 – Scripture Reading (25:06) Rev. Katrin Alldavoodi reads 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 in English and Persian. Part 6 – The Obituary (28:16) Rev. Sooren Sarkissian reads a detailed biography covering Edward’s birth in 1950, his ministry in Iran and London, and his passing. Hallelujah. Jesus is Lord. Brother Edward has entered heaven powerfully. He was one of the most prominent leaders of the Iranian church. Rev. Sooren Sarkissian Bishop Dr. Edward Hovsepian-Mehr was born on May 9, 1950, in Tehran. Alongside his martyred brother, Bishop Haik, he served through the most difficult eras of the Iranian church. He was a pioneer of the house church movement and a father to the Persian-speaking diaspora in London. He fought the good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith. Early Life: Born May 9, 1950, in Tehran. Converted at age 13; preached his first sermon at 16. Ministry Milestones: Served in Isfahan and Urmia (founding new churches) before becoming Senior Pastor of the Central Church in Tehran at age 36. International Impact: After moving to the UK, he founded the North London Iranian Church and the Hamgam Council, which now connects over 20 churches across Europe and Canada. Literary Contributions: Authored several books, including Who is My Spouse?, The Pastor and Pastoral Ministry, and Personal Evangelism. 1950 | Birth | Born in Tehran to an Armenian family. 1963 | Conversion | Accepted Christ at age 13 under Leon Hayrapetian. 1970 | Early Ministry | Sent to Isfahan for pastoral service at age 20. 1986 | Tehran Leadership | Appointed Senior Pastor of the Central Church in Tehran. 1994 | Crisis Leadership | Assumed oversight of Iranian AG churches after Bishop Haik’s martyrdom. 1996 | House Church Movement | Pioneered the transition to house church networks in Iran. 2001 | Relocation to UK | Moved to England; began serving the London diaspora. 2003-2026 | Expansion | Founded North London Iranian Church and the Hamgam Council. 2026 | Passing | Deceased July 26, 2026. Part 7 – Musical Solo (44:02) Jenik Oshian performs a worship piece. Part 8 – Tributes from the Family (50:32) Tributes from Lydia, Celine, and Sophia (daughters/granddaughters) reading poetry. Part 9 – Tributes from Colleagues (54:10) Brother Ahmad, Rev. Dr. Mehrdad Fatehi, and Dr. Dana Allin share reflections on Edward’s humility and theological depth. Mentorship Model: Described as a leader who followed a four-step Christ-like mentorship: performing the service, serving alongside others, observing others serve, and finally empowering them to lead independently. Brother Ahmad Humility in Authority: Despite his vast influence, he was noted for his willingness to admit mistakes and his lack of ego, often supporting younger leaders (like Dr. Fatehi) even when their departure for further study created operational gaps. Dr Mehrdad Fatehi Vision for Iran: Dr. Allin noted that while Edward’s vision for a free and transformed Iran was not fully realized in his lifetime, his work significantly shortened the distance to that goal. Dr Dana Allin Part 10 – Video message (01:12:58) A message from Rev. George Hovsepian (Brother). Part 11 – Family Tribute (01:15:54) Joseph Hovsepian (Nephew) shares personal memories of Edward as a father figure after his own father’s martyrdom. “How can one speak of a man who touched thousands in three minutes? After my Dad, Haik was martyred, Edward filled that void. He was the most balanced servant I knew—powerful in prayer but always ready to talk about football or share a joke.” Joseph Hovsepian Part 12 – Musical Performance (01:21:19) Amir Javadzadeh performs a musical tribute. Part 13 – Tributes from colleagues (01:28:04) Rev. Miltan Daniel, Dr. Charles Gogbashian, and Hussein Amiri share stories of Edward’s impact in Urmia and London. “I was a fanatical Assyrian and an addict when I first met Edward in Urmia. He didn’t judge me. He once left his wallet on the table just so I wouldn’t have to steal if I needed money. That was the heart of the man—radical grace. Edward belongs to all of us. In Urmia, I tried to harass him because he was an Armenian speaking Farsi in an Assyrian church. But his love changed me. He was a true friend who loved in every situation.” Rev. Miltan Daniel When I heard Edward was coming to England, I was delighted. When you looked at his face, you saw holiness, joy, and humility. He was a man full of the Holy Spirit, generous, and funny. I feel as though my right arm has been cut off. Charles Gogbashian Part 14 – Worship & Thanksgiving (01:53:35) A second session led by “Time for Worship.” Part 15 – Reflection on Scripture (01:57:27) Hebrews 11:4 says that though Abel is dead, he still speaks. Edward’s life tells us that Jesus is worth our total devotion. He taught us that God prefers faithfulness over success. It is not about how you start, but how you finish the race. Rev. Dr. Feridoon Mokhof Part 16 – Prayer of Thanksgiving (02:14:56) The Rev. Canon Omid Moludy Part 17 – Poetry recital (02:22:11) Hadi Haji-Mohammadi recites an original poem dedicated to Edward. Part 18 – Video Messages (02:26:00) Short testimonies from believers in Iran. Part 19 – Final Congregational Worship (02:30:32) Worship & Thanksgiving Part 20 – Prayer for the family (02:31:28) Led by Rev. Kamil Navai, Dr. Mojdeh Shirvanian, and others. Part 21 – Family Acknowledgements (02:41:38) Nassi Mirpanji (Wife) and Rosita Kennedy (Daughter) thank the community. I am also deeply grateful to each and every one of you who even came from far away countries to be at this event. After our father went to heaven, my prayer was that God, through this sudden death, you would give us a message and one of Mother Teresa’s quotes spoke to my heart so much these days that I felt that it was true to some extent in relation to our father and I wanted to read this quote and I hope that this quote has a message for us survivors. Mother Teresa says that at the end of our lives we will not be judged by the number of degrees we have received, the amount of money we have earned or the great things we have done, but by this. I was hungry, you fed me. I was thirsty, you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, you accepted me. I was naked, you covered me. I was sick, you took care of me
