Five Christians have recently been sentenced to more than 50 years in prison combined due to their Christian activities: Nasser Navard Gol-Tapeh, Joseph and Lida Shahbazian, Aida Najaflou, and another unnamed woman. All five intend to appeal the sentence. These five are among many other Christians suffering for their faith in Jesus this Christmas.

Joseph and Nasser had both been arrested and released in 2023, their sentences having been pardoned. They were both arrested on new charges in February 2025 and have remained in prison since.

Aida was also arrested in February 2025 and recently suffered a spinal fracture after falling from her bunkbed in Evin prison. She remains in custody but has had to visit the hospital several times as a result of her injury.

Lida and the unnamed woman’s status remain unclear. But it is likely they will be at liberty until the appeals process is complete.

Because we believe deeply in the power of prayer, we’ve created a gallery of Iranian Christians currently in prison for their faith to help you intercede for the persecuted church in Iran.

Thank you for standing with us in prayer for these believers this Christmas.

Please pray:

• For justice to prevail during the appeal, that their lawyers will be filled with wisdom and that the judge will be moved by the Holy Spirit.

• For comfort for Nasser, Joseph, Lida, Aida, and the two women, that they would feel the closeness of the Father to them and be filled with His supernatural peace.

• For the protection of other believers during Christmas, a season where there is often a rise in persecution and harsh crackdowns.