Hormoz Shariat

Hormoz Shariat (born 1955) is an Iranian-American Christian pastor, author, and media broadcaster, often referred to as the "Billy Graham of Iran" for his role in spreading Christianity throughout the Persian-speaking world. Born in Tehran, Iran, Shariat became a prominent figure in Christian evangelism after founding Iran Alive Ministries, a satellite TV network that broadcasts Christian programming to millions in Iran and the Middle East. Known for his advocacy for religious freedom and human rights, Shariat’s work has impacted many Persian-speaking communities, making him a respected voice among Christian Iranians and those exploring Christianity under challenging conditions.
== Early Life ==
Hormoz Shariat was born on August 20, 1955, in Tehran, Iran, into a family deeply rooted in education. Raised in an intellectual Muslim family, he grew up with an interest in religion and a focus on academic achievement. Shariat attended Sharif University of Technology, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. In 1979, he moved to the United States to pursue graduate studies at the University of Southern California, obtaining both an M.S. in Computer Vision and a Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence.
== Personal Life ==
Shariat married Donnell Roper on October 23, 1977. The couple has three children: Hanniel Mina (b. 1984), Jonathan Navid (b. 1987), and Michelle Mojdeh (b. 1991).
== Conversion to Christianity ==
After moving to the United States in 1979, Shariat began exploring religious texts to deepen his understanding of faith. His exploration led him to Christianity, and he converted in 1980. The experience transformed his life and had a profound impact on his marriage, leading him and his wife to cancel their plans for divorce.
== Career and Ministry ==
Shariat’s ministry began shortly after his conversion. He started by evangelizing to Iranian Muslims in California and founded the Iranian Christian Church in Sunnyvale, California, in 1987. His ministry efforts expanded when he started broadcasting Christian messages via radio in 1981 and later through cable television and satellite broadcasts targeting Iran.
In 2011, Shariat moved to Dallas, Texas, to establish Shabakeh 7, a 24/7 satellite channel with programming in Farsi, aimed at evangelizing and discipling the Iranian population. Iran Alive Ministries claims that since its inception, the network has reached millions of viewers and has reportedly influenced many conversions to Christianity
== Vision and Goals ==
Shariat has expressed a vision of transforming Iran into a Christian nation, citing the prophecy in Jeremiah 49:38. He believes that Iran will be the first Islamic nation to convert to Christianity and is committed to reaching this goal through media evangelism.
== Publication ==
In 2019, Hormoz Shariat published his first book, Iran’s Great Awakening, in which he shares his spiritual journey, discusses prophecies about Iran and Israel, and outlines a strategic plan to transform Iran into a Christian nation.<ref>Insert citation here</ref>
Category:1955 births
Category:American people of Iranian descent
Category:Author
Category:Sharif University of Technology alumni