Narsai Toma

Mar Narsai Toma was the late Metropolitan of the Ancient Church of the East of the diocese of Kirkuk, Iraq.^[1] Mar Narsai served as Metropolitan for forty-six years before his death in 2014.

Early life

Mar Narsai Toma was born as Toma Soro Bobo in Kirkuk, Iraq. Throughout his early years, he was dedicated to his studies, advancing in ecclesiastical education at the Church of the East School in Nineveh (Mosul). He studied under the tutelage of the late Reverend Yousip DeKelaita, and became a scholar of both church history and the Aramaic language.

Service to the Church

Mar Narsai Toma was ordained as a Deacon at a young age. Soon afterwards, he was elevated to the rank of Priest, and later, Bishop. Following the schism that divided the Church of the East into two churches, Mar Narsai was consecrated as Metropolitan (Archbishop) of Kirkuk in December 1969. Mar Narsai was ordained Bishop at the hands of the late Patriarch Mar Thoma Darmo, and Metropolitan by his successor, Mar Addai II, who was serving at the time as Acting Patriarch. Throughout his years of service, Mar Narsai resided over the diocese in Kirkuk, Iraq.

Mar Narsai, together with Metropolitan of Nineveh, Mar Toma Giwargis, consecrated Mar Addai II as Catholicos-Patriarch of the Ancient Church of the East. The ordination took place on February 20, 1972 in Iraq.

During his tenure, Mar Narsai placed an emphasis on education. He was committed to the advancement of the Assyrian people through education. He spent much of his time teaching countless students, sharing with them both his knowledge and passion. His influence has succeeded him, and his students can be found serving the Ancient Church of the East at every clerical level. The late Metropolitan was known to carry a quiet presence, though he was widely-respected and trusted.

Death

Mar Narsai Toma passed into eternal life peacefully, though unexpectedly, in the late hours of August 28, 2014 in the city of Kirkuk, Iraq. Though it has been determined that he died of natural causes, it was known that he was managing several medical conditions for several years prior to his death. His loss came as a surprise to the global church community, particularly as he was in the midst of planning a trip to the Diocese of Chicago in the United States.

On August 31, 2014, the Sunday following his death, commemorative services were held in every parish under the Ancient Church of the East in his honor. Thousands of parishioners throughout the world mourned the loss of the beloved Metropolitan.

Legacy

While Mar Narsai made many contributions throughout his years dedicated to the church and its faithful, he viewed his greatest accomplishment as his large role in educating others. He invested much of his time teaching, as he believed strongly that only through education would the Assyrian people make notable advancements.

Mar Narsai is remembered as a gentle and compassionate leader, and one that embodied the true spirit of Christ. Mar Gewargis Younan, Bishop of Chicago, released a statement following the Metropolitan's passing in which he wrote, "Mar Narsai held an integrity and decency that spoke louder than words. The Ancient Church of the East is proud to be associated with his name, and it is an honor for us to carry on his legacy."

See also

• Ancient Church of the East
• Assyrian Church of the East
• Mar Addai II

References