Iranian Christians are celebrating the release of two former Muslims held in Tehran's Evin Prison for nearly nine months.

Maryam Rostampour, 27, and Marzieh Amirizadeh, 30, were released Wednesday without bail but are reported to be in poor health.

The Christian converts were arrested March 5 on charges of anti-state activity and "taking part in illegal gatherings" for their involvement in house church activities.

The women faced life imprisonment for apostasy, but refused to recant their Christian faith when ordered to do so during an August 9 hearing .

"We love Jesus," they told the judge. "Yes, we are Christians [and] we will not deny our faith."

Carl Moeller of Open Doors USA-- a group behind efforts to free the women-- warned the pair could still appear before a civilian court even though they have committed no crime under Iranian or international law.

He urged Christians to continue to pray for them while their fate remains "uncertain."