At 4 a.m. on July 24, 1948, Dr. Haralan Popov, a prominent pastor, was arrested by the Bulgarian Secret Police on false charges of “being a spy” for the United States and Great Britain. In a world publicized “show trial” of 15 arrested pastors, after Stalin’s brainwashing technique and intense torture, Haralan confessed to being a “spy.”

Pastor Popov spent more than 13 years in 16 communist prisons and concentration camps for his uncompromising faith in Jesus Christ. Despite tremendous suffering and torture, he continued his work for God inside the prison to reach fellow prisoners.

Upon his arrest, his wife Ruth, a Swedish missionary, was marked as “the wife of a spy” and therefore not to be employed. Without any means of income she was unable to provide food for her children and was forbidden to leave Bulgaria. After three difficult years, through the help of the Swedish government, she finally received permission to return to her homeland with her two small children, Rhoda and Paul.

Determined to help her husband, Ruth began ministering in churches across Scandinavia and Great Britain. She spoke about her husband’s imprisonment and torture and of the plight and needs of Christians behind the Iron Curtain. She encouraged Christians to organize prayer groups and petitions on behalf of her husband and other imprisoned pastors.

Haralan was released from prison on September 24, 1961 despite assurances by the communist government that repeatedly told him “you will never be allowed to leave Bulgaria!” Through a miraculous release, Haralan was reunited with his family in 1963. He immediately focused all his energy to inform the world of the plight of persecuted Christians behind the closed doors of the Iron Curtain.and was determined to bring God’s Word into the Soviet Union where Bibles had been confiscated and burned.

Haralan began broadcasting God’s Word behind the Iron Curtain through Trans World Radio-TWR and IBRA with the support from The Slavic Mission in Sweden and churches in England, Norway, and Denmark. He was the first person to broadcast the Gospel message in the Bulgarian language, despite the Communist’s efforts to jam his broadcasts.

Shortly later, Pastor Popov began printing and smuggling Bibles behind the Iron Curtain.

For twenty-six years Pastor Haralan Popov had been separated from his native country and yearned to once again see his homeland, Bulgaria, and the people he loved so much. God made a way for his dream to come true.

Despite his 81 years and failing health, Haralan enjoyed a wonderful visit back to Bulgaria. When he walked into the Sunday morning service of the church he had previously pastored for many years, a young brother rose to offer the elderly man of slow, unsteady gait his seat. As Haralan sat, tears streaming down his face, praising God, a man sitting next to him stared at him with astonishment. Word quickly spread throughout the church and people began to weep. Haralan Popov, their old pastor and friend had returned!

On November 13, 1988, a few weeks after returning from his beloved Bulgaria, Haralan Popov died. After more than 50 years of ministry, he went home to his Heavenly Father.

Tortured For His Faith

Pastor Haralan Popov’s amazing testimony of Christian courage is recorded in his autobiography, Tortured For His Faith.

This autobiography about one man’s journey reveals the stories of many others. Today, many continue to face similar torture and persecution for their faith in Christ in other countries around the world. With the help of the Holy Spirit, Haralan rose above his circumstances and was freed from his tormentors, but not free to forget the plight of the Suffering Church.

Dr. Haralan I. Popov left a heritage rich and strong in the Lord. His testimony, life and dedication has brought people beyond themselves to a pertinent realization of God’s purpose among His people. His constant dedication to God despite difficulties, persecution, and circumstance, inspired many.

The message he spoke was always the same, moving in its simplicity and truth: the story of a man, who for a brief time here on earth was willing to forfeit all for the Gospel’s sake.

The need for human rights advocacy is still prevalent today. Haralan Popov inspired people to make a difference. One man made a difference around the world. He wasn’t idle in his time on this earth. Haralan motivated and asked others to also not be idle.

You too can make a difference!