IRAN (ANS) -- An Iranian Christian pastor has been detained by Iranian authorities.

According to Jason DeMars of Present Truth Ministries -- www.presenttruthmn.com -- Pastor Behnam Irani has been convicted of "actions against the Order."

Pastor Benham Irani with his wife and one of his children (Photo courtesy www.presenttruthmn.com)

DeMars said this means Irani organized house church meetings and other Christian activities. In an e-mail update to ANS, DeMars said: "I have learned that around 2 AM Central Standard Time, 11AM in Iran, he was summoned for a meeting with the security service and subsequently arrested." Pastor Behnam is a husband and father of two children. "Please spread the word to pray for his release, for his strength to endure for Jesus and for peace for his family. Also, please

spread the word to your elected officials to take action," DeMars said.

In the case of Behrouz Sadegh-Khandjani, who is in prison in Shiraz, DeMars said he will finally come to trial on February 5.

Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani (Photo courtesy www.presentruthmn.com)

"Please pray for him and for his family. Satan is doing all that he can through the government of Iran to destroy the lives of Christians. "The mother of Behrouz (she is originally from the Congo) is unable to access basic services in the country because her identification was taken by the secret police and they will not give it back to her. I ask that you pray for her as well." DeMars also stated that Youcef Nadarkhani remains in prison in Lakan province in northern Iran.

"His status has not changed. He continues to be under the death sentence for apostasy. He is waiting for the Supreme Court to either strike down or certify the sentencing. Continue to pray for him and his family."