The World Iranian Christian Alliance (WICA) has asked churches around the world to pray and fast over the next three days to remember the people of Iran.
It comes as talks are scheduled to take place between the US and Iran in Oman aimed at de-escalating tensions between the two countries.
More than 30,000 protestors are reported to have been killed in a crackdown on demonstrations over economic hardship and political repression since the end of December.
As well as the three days of fasting and prayer, the WICA is hoping churches will participate in a special Day of Remembrance on Sunday.
Friday’s prayers are focused on ‘The State of Iran and Prayer for Persecutors’, Saturday’s are for ‘Christians Serving on the Ground’ and on Sunday the prayers will focus on ‘The Church in Iran’.
Attieh Fard, an Iranian Christian lawyer who now lives in the UK told Premier Christian News why it’s so important to pray for her fellow Iranians.
She said: “The feelings have been very deep. At times I've been tearful, at times anxious, at times tired and sad, and all my friends are like that. Sometimes we have nightmares, sometimes we can't sleep, and everyone knows someone who has been killed.”
Latest figures show that Christians make up only about 1% of the country’s current population of around 85 million people.
But John Heathershaw who is Professor of International Relations at Exeter University and also research associate of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence at Bristol Baptist College, told Premier that Christianity in Iran is growing rapidly: “It doesn’t need regime change to flourish, the route to redemption and the future hope is not founded on that regime change.
But of course the regime is a terrible regime and in relative terms it would be much better if it’s brought to its knees. I’m sure eventually it will be.”