ABC30.com, CA
Feb 16 2008
A Cry From Iran
Saturday, February 16, 2008
By Gene HaagensonFebruary 16th 2008 (KFSN) — A Fresno audience had a
rare look at life and death in one of the world’s most secretive
nations.
Hundreds gathered at the Armenian Presbyterian church to watch a
documentary film called "A Cry from Iran".
The film is about an Armenian minister whose message angered the
Iranian government, and cost him his life.
The story of Haik Hovespian is a modern tragedy. Born of Armenian
Christian parents in Iran, he became a minister, and the leader of
Iran’s evangelical community.
After publicly denouncing the government’s plan to execute another
Christian minister, Hovespian was kidnapped, and murdered. Through a
translator, his widow says Hovespian is a Christian martyr.
Takouhie Hovespian, widow of slain minister, says "Because he knew
why he was being sacrificed, tortured and persecuted& It was mainly
because of freedom of religion that he was martyred."
Haik Hovespian was killed in 1994. Since then several other Christian
ministers in Iran have been killed.
It’s hoped this film will serve as a reminder that religious
persecution continues around the world.
Mgrdich Melkonian, Pastor, says "We understand there are lots of
persecutions, but we’re not very much detailed, we don’t exactly know
what’s going on in which country, or which city but we hear it’s
continuing in some of the parts yes."
The Iranian government has denied any involvement in the deaths of
Christian ministers.
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