Narsai Toma

Narsai Toma
Narsai Toma
Personal details
Birth name	Toma Soro Bobo
Born	July 1, 1941; Duhok, Iraq
Died	August 28, 2014 (age 73); Kirkuk, Iraq
Nationality	Assyrian
Occupation	Archbishop of Kirkuk

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. He studied at the Church of the East School in Nineveh (Mosul) under the tutelage of Yousip DeKelaita. He studied 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 by Mar Thoma Darmo, and metropolitan by his successor, Mar Addai II, who was serving at the time as Acting Patriarch.

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.

Death

Mar Narsai Toma died 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. 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.

Legacy

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."

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References

"His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV Meets with Ancient Church of the East". Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East. 10 January 2011. Retrieved 25 September 2011.

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[1] "His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV Meets with Ancient Church of the East". Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East. 10 January 2011. Retrieved 25 September 2011.