First Master’s Students Graduate from Southeastern’s Persian Program
Mary Asta Mountain | June 27, 2025
On May 31, 2025, Southeastern Seminary celebrated the historic graduation of its first Persian Leadership Development (PLD) master’s students, 16 men and women graduating from the only accredited Master of Theological Studies program offered entirely in Farsi.
This ceremony in Istanbul, Turkey, also celebrated the graduation of 12 undergraduate students, now only the second class in the world to have earned their accredited Bachelor of Science in pastoral ministry in the Farsi language.
“This ceremony is unprecedented in the history of the Persian-speaking Church,” said Kambiz Saghaey, director of PLD and president of Southeastern’s partner, Mojdeh Ministries.
In addition to the students and their families, those present at the graduation included Danny Akin, president of Southeastern, and the faculty and board members of Mojdeh Ministries.
Saghaey addressed those gathered in person and watching remotely, saying, “We are deeply grateful for each of you — especially the senior church leaders, representatives of various Christian organizations, and those engaged in the teaching and discipleship ministry of the Church — for honoring us with your presence and sharing in the joy of this historic moment.”
“Today’s celebration,” he said, “is the answer to many prayers and the fruit of the labors of numerous saints who dedicated their lives to theological education and the growth of the Persian-speaking Church. It is the fulfillment of many dreams held by those who longed for the advancement of God’s kingdom among Persian-speaking believers, faithful servants who prayed and labored tirelessly for years to create the foundation for theological education.”
Today’s celebration is the answer to many prayers and the fruit of the labors of numerous saints who dedicated their lives to theological education and the growth of the Persian-speaking Church.
Represented among the 28 graduates were students from Greece, Sweden, Germany, Turkey, Iran, Malaysia, the United States, Canada, and Georgia. The majority of those graduating with their master’s degree did so through completing Southeastern’s five-year bachelor’s to master’s Farsi program.
Alumnus Ramin Bagheri presented an address on behalf of the students, expressing their gratitude and excitement at this momentous step in their academic journeys.
“Dr. Akin, you turned what once seemed like a distant dream into a tangible reality,” he said. “We are truly grateful. We are also thankful for the Persian-speaking professors of Southeastern, who guided us not just with knowledge, kindness, and dedication, but with hearts that helped shape our minds, spirits, and character. Your classes were more than lectures — they were opportunities for deep spiritual growth. We thank you all.”
To his fellow students, Bagheri urged, “Let us always remember: the responsibility placed upon us today is not merely to hold a degree in Christian theology. It is a calling to serve, to teach, and to become those who carry light into the darkness.”
It is a calling to serve, to teach, and to become those who carry light into the darkness.
“This graduation is not just the end of a chapter but the beginning of a new mission — a mission we will carry forward with the power of the Holy Spirit, the grace of God, and faithfulness to the gospel of Christ.”
To learn more about the PLD and the efforts of Southeastern to theologically equip Persian believers in their own language, visit the PLD website here.