Armenian/English Christian Broadcasts

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. You came to see me when I was in prison. Hungry, not just hungry for bread, but also hungry for love. Naked, not just naked, but deprived of human respect. Homeless, not just without a brick and stone home, but homeless because of rejection. I think all of us in the family and many of you can testify that our father tried to implement these things in his life as much as possible, and hopefully, just like Mother Teresa said, we can do big things with love – small things with great love for God and show our love in action towards others. Because one day at the throne of God’s judgment, we will have to give an account for the actions we have done, selfless actions out of love and affection, and I think my father was a very good example in this regard. Thank you very much again to all of you. Rozita Kennedy (Nee Hovsepian) Part 22 – Notices (02:46:14) Rev. Mansour Borji provides closing remarks and logistics. Part 23 – Benediction (02:49:43) Rev. Dr. Feridoon Mokhof: May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and forevermore. Amen. Final Charge The service concluded with a call to the next generation to carry the “torch” of humility, unity, and service. The prevailing sentiment was summarized by the biblical reference to 2 Timothy 4:7: “He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.” Please use this link if you would like to donate to Brother Edward’s legacy English Programme Persian Programme

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for the many messages of love, sympathy, and prayer you have shared with us over the past few days. Your kindness, support, and words of comfort have meant so much to our family during this difficult time, and we are truly grateful to each and every one of you. As many of you may already know, the main memorial service celebrating the life of my dear father, Edward Housian, will be held on Saturday, 25 July, at 4:30 p.m. at Emmanuel Church in Central London. The service is open to all; however, registration is required. If you would like to attend, we kindly ask that you register using the link provided below or attached to this post. https://edward.eventbrite.co.uk The service will also be livestreamed, and the link for the live broadcast will be shared on this page closer to the date of the service. We would also like to take this opportunity to clarify something that may have caused some confusion. A number of memorial gatherings are being held in different parts of the world to honour my father’s life and ministry. We are deeply grateful for each of these expressions of love and remembrance. However, the main memorial service, where our entire family will be present, will take place on Saturday, 25 July, at Emmanuel Church in Central London. This service is being hosted by our North London church family—the same church where my father faithfully served for many years as senior pastor. If you are in London or the surrounding areas and are able to join us, it would be a great honour and comfort to have you with us as we come together to celebrate his life, his legacy, and above all, his faithful walk with the Lord. Thank you once again for your continued love, support, and prayers for our family.

This sermon explores the reality of hell as the absence of God's grace. Contrasting the "hell" of war with the eternal hell, the preacher argues that while human kindness exists on earth due to God's presence, hell is a self-chosen exile where love and peace cannot exist.

This sermon refutes popular misconceptions of heaven as a boring, static existence. By framing the resurrection as a "D-Day" victory over Satan, Brother Charles presents heaven as a dynamic, intellectually stimulating "New Earth" where believers, currently in a waiting state, will eventually receive transformed bodies for eternal adventure.

Brother Edward delivers a Pentecost-focused sermon on the Holy Spirit’s role in transforming the "inner man." He argues that true spiritual vitality comes from a deep, love-based relationship with Christ rather than superficial rituals or need-based prayers. He calls for a permanent internal shift from "stone" to "flesh."

This Christmas sermon explores three reasons for the Incarnation: to make God personally known, to provide undeniable proof of His love through sacrifice, and to establish God as a compassionate participant in human suffering. It emphasizes that through Christ, God is no longer distant or unknown but intimately present.

The sermon calls for honest self-examination based on 2 Corinthians 13:5, urging believers to ensure their actions reflect their faith. By contrasting the devil’s accusations with the Shepherd’s care in Psalm 23, Brother Vasken emphasizes that God sees us as worthy and provides restoration for the weary soul.

This sermon examines King Nebuchadnezzar’s cycle of success, pride, and divine humbling. Michael warns that success often breeds arrogance, leading to a "fall." The congregation is urged to remain humble, acknowledge God as the source of all achievement, and use their influence to serve the poor and fight injustice.

Worship led by Rozita

Brother Edward explores the necessity of the Holy Spirit's filling, contrasting the disciples' fear-driven lives before Pentecost with their bold, unified witness afterward. He presents the Holy Spirit as the source of power, wisdom, and love, urging the congregation to daily empty themselves to be refilled for the 21st century's challenges.

Tali shares some beautiful Worship songs for Pentecost:

The sermon addresses the necessity of aligning outward Christian service with inward godly motives. By examining the "Bema Seat" judgment, Brother Charles argues that only works done for God’s glory—rather than self-promotion—survive eternal testing. True service flows from a humble heart, seeking to point others toward the Father.

Worship led by Anita:

Hovan delivers a foundational message on the Holy Spirit’s three-dimensional role: being with, within, and upon believers. Using the transformation of the apostles as evidence, he encourages the congregation to seek a deeper, empowered relationship with God in preparation for Pentecost, even while meeting virtually during the pandemic.

Brother Charles explores the Book of Romans, contrasting the struggle of the old nature with the "resurrection power" of the new life in Christ. He urges the congregation to transition from the condemnation of Romans 7 into the Spirit-led freedom of Romans 8, emphasizing that our identity is now defined by Christ.

Worship led by Arpineh

This sermon distills the Easter message into five pillars of hope: hope in death, grief, fellowship, doubt, and shame. Using the examples of the thief, Mary Magdalene, Cleopas, Thomas, and Peter, Brother Charles emphasises that God’s pursuing love offers a "second chance" to everyone, regardless of their past.

Worship led by Tali

The sermon addresses God's purpose in suffering, using Psalm 66:10-12 to explain that trials are divine tools for testing, purification, and humbling. Rather than questioning "why," believers should embrace these "furnace" moments to refine their character, deepen their prayer life, and move toward a place of spiritual abundance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXMVMsWhRcg Worship led by Arpineh

The sermon explores the transformative power of verbalizing faith. By examining biblical figures like Abraham, Joseph, and David, Brother Edward illustrates that declarations based on God's authority defeat the enemy and align the believer with divine will. True faith declares God’s sovereignty regardless of personal circumstances or immediate outcomes.

On Pentecost, Brother Edward preached on the Holy Spirit’s role in transforming lives from fear to courage, doubt to faith, and pride to love. Using the disciples' evolution and personal anecdotes from Iran, he emphasized that spiritual maturity is a journey "from glory to glory" through divine revelation and humility.

Brother Rafi explores the restoration of the disciples in John 20, identifying how Jesus systematically returns their lost presence, peace, joy, and authority. Through personal anecdotes and biblical parallels, he challenges the congregation to stop living in a state of loss and aggressively reclaim their spiritual inheritance through faith and forgiveness.

A bilingual Armenian-English service opens with worship and a teaching on Matthew 7's true meaning of judgment. Testimonies follow: a father's story of redirected university plans, a call to lasting spiritual renewal beyond the holidays, and a striking account of unexplained bone regeneration that canceled a scheduled surgery.

Ruthie delivered a moving testimony on the power of saying "yes" to God. Drawing from the life of Mary and personal financial struggles, she illustrated that total surrender to God’s will—even when it contradicts human logic—releases supernatural provision and places the believer in the safest possible position.

This bilingual sermon highlights the transformative power of fasting and prayer. Using examples from Iran—including the conversion of a mullah—and personal testimonies of stopping war through intercession, Brother Edward urges the congregation to make a covenant with God to strengthen their spiritual discipline and break every chain.

In this bilingual Christmas service, Brother Edward distills the Angel Gabriel’s message to Mary into ten glorious titles of Christ. He emphasizes that Christianity is unique because God descended to seek the lost. The sermon concludes with a call for personal renewal and "cooperation with God" for the upcoming year.

Brother Edward explores the necessity of being led by the Holy Spirit. He argues that God’s will is for our benefit, driven by His superior knowledge of the future. True guidance requires an obedient heart, sincere desire, and the total surrender of personal agendas to God’s perfect plan.

Brother Ivan explores the healing of the lame man in Acts 3 to illustrate spiritual liberation. He identifies five pillars of joy: mobility, independence, dignity, praise, and knowing God. The sermon emphasizes that Christ became poor to make believers rich, urging the congregation to replace anxiety with childlike trust.

This bilingual sermon explores Peter’s restoration in John 21. It highlights how Jesus transforms Peter’s failure and shame into humble leadership through the power of love. The message concludes with Communion, inviting the congregation to confess their sins and reaffirm their love for Christ before engaging in His work.

This bilingual sermon explores the transition from spiritual silence to prophetic clarity. Using the story of Samuel, Babgen emphasises that intimacy with God is the only way to recognize His voice. He warns that sin and indifference dim our spiritual vision, urging the faithful to respond with total availability.

The sermon advocates for a faith rooted in the person of Jesus Christ rather than His blessings. Using biblical and contemporary examples, Brother Edward argues that seeking miracles without seeking God leads to a shallow, "sandy" foundation. True spiritual maturity is found in loving and worshipping God unconditionally.

The sermon advocates for "seeking God's face" as the primary antidote to spiritual exhaustion and unanswered prayer. By prioritizing fellowship over petition, believers unlock true repentance, divine healing, deep joy, and steadiness against stumbling. Brother Edward shares personal testimony of how this shift led to long-awaited breakthroughs and ministry growth.

Brother Edward delivers a bilingual sermon on the Rapture and the nature of Heaven. He contrasts the temporary "bridge" of earthly life with the eternal "homeland" of believers. Through a vivid narrative of a vision, he warns against spiritual complacency and exhorts the church to live in constant, joyful readiness.

The sermon exhorts believers to reclaim the "Maranatha" spirit of the early church. By examining five biblical dimensions of hope, Brother Edward argues that a focus on the Second Coming is essential for a holy, joyful, and comforted life, contrasting eternal assurance with the temporary nature of worldly success.

The sermon contrasts Peter’s performance-based zeal with John’s focus on being the "disciple Jesus loved." It argues that believers are freed from the curse of the law to serve through the Spirit. True fruitfulness comes not from striving, but from abiding in the revelation of one's secure position in Christ.

The sermon defines true freedom not as political democracy, but as a five-fold spiritual liberation: from internal conflict, past bitterness, future anxiety, negative relationships, and resentment toward God. By knowing the "Truth" (the Word), believers are empowered to move from slavery to a life of love and service.

Tony Sargent explores the necessity of active gratitude through the lens of the Good Samaritan and the ten lepers. He argues that true faith requires practical outworking—sharing resources with the exploited and marginalized—rather than passive indifference. The sermon calls for a life of sacrificial giving and compassionate service.

This bilingual Easter sermon celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the catalyst for five "living" realities: relationship, worship, faith, the Word, and hope. Brother Edward emphasizes that Christ’s victory over death transforms human existence from stagnant ritual into a dynamic, certain, and eternal fellowship with a living, active God.

This bilingual service focused on the transformative power of surrendering to God's righteousness and His ability to lift those burdened by life's weights. It featured a special Mother’s Day blessing, emphasizing the spiritual legacy of mothers, and concluded with a call for a "new beginning" in worship and prayer.

The service emphasized total surrender and focus on Jesus Christ as the source of strength and righteousness. Through bilingual worship and prayer, the congregation interceded for persecuted believers in Iran, celebrated a testimony of healing from cancer, and was challenged to prioritize intimate fellowship with God over personal anxieties.

This bilingual sermon explores the believer's identity in Christ as sons, the bride, and the body. It emphasizes that salvation is a gift of grace, removing the fear of judgment. Lisa urges the congregation to embrace a personal revelation of God’s love and live in continuous assurance.

The sermon distills the Gospel into a message of radical security. By examining the Greek origins of chirographon and charizomai, Lisa asserts that Christ’s one-time sacrifice canceled all debt—past, present, and future. Believers are urged to live in awestruck wonder rather than the fear of losing salvation.

The sermon explores the "Innocent Condemned," using The Green Mile to illustrate Christ’s sacrificial journey. It details the physical and emotional agony of the cross—loneliness, ridicule, and pain—while highlighting its triumph: the "Paid in Full" redemption. Believers are called to daily, humble cross-bearing, promising ultimate victory through endurance.

This bilingual sermon outlines the five spiritual weapons Jesus used to defeat Satan: His Name, the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, the Cross, and the Resurrection. Through an anecdote of deliverance from witchcraft, Brother Edward emphasizes that believers must remain filled with the Spirit to maintain their guaranteed victory.

The sermon distinguishes between intellectual religious knowledge and spiritual intimacy. By examining the Tabernacle and Israel’s fear of God’s voice, the preacher argues that Christ tore the veil to grant direct access to the "third room" of love. True faith requires active appropriation of grace and a heart-to-heart connection.

This bilingual sermon explores the "Power of Love" as a transformative force that heals the body, overcomes enemies, and ensures eternal life. By synthesizing various Biblical examples, Brother Ivan argues that love is the engine of faith and the only permanent spiritual reality that remains when all else fades.

Brother Edward explores Jesus' mission through Luke 4:18, emphasising restoration for the brokenhearted, captive, and spiritually blind. Sharing his personal testimony of family healing, he invites the congregation to surrender their burdens, promising that Christ’s "good news" offers a fresh start and internal peace to all who seek Him.

This sermon explores Isaiah’s vision to illustrate the necessity of personal spiritual visitation. Brother Edward emphasises that true service begins only after divine cleansing. By sharing a personal testimony of a life-changing encounter 52 years ago, he calls the church to sanctify their lives and respond to God’s call for local outreach.

This evenings meeting was devoted exclusively to people sharing testimonies of God working in their lives. Worship:   Vasken:   Brother Edward:   Melina:   Vanna:   Arthur:   Babgen: