Background
March Narsai Toma was born as Toma Soro Bobo in Kirkuk, Iraq.
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Narsai Toma
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He studied under the tutelage of the late Reverend Yousip DeKelaita, and became a scholar of both church history and the Aramaic language.
Career
March Narsai served as Metropolitan for forty-six years before his death in 2014. Throughout his early years, he was dedicated to his studies, advancing in ecclesiastical education at the Church of the East School in Nineveh (Mosul). March 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, March Narsai was consecrated as Metropolitan (Archbishop) of Kirkuk in December 1969. March Narsai was ordained Bishop at the hands of the late Patriarch March Thoma Darmo, and Metropolitan by his successor, March Addai II, who was serving at the time as Acting Patriarch.
Throughout his years of service, March Narsai resided over the diocese in Kirkuk, Iraq. The ordination took place on February 20, 1972 in Iraq.
During his tenure, March 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. The late Metropolitan was known to carry a quiet presence, though he was widely-respected and trusted.
Death
March 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.
Thousands of parishioners throughout the world mourned the loss of the beloved Metropolitan. Legacy
He invested much of his time teaching, as he believed strongly that only through education would the Assyrian people make notable advancements.
March Narsai is remembered as a gentle and compassionate leader, and one that embodied the true spirit of Christ.
March Gewargis Younan, Bishop of Chicago, released a statement following the Metropolitan"s passing in which he wrote, "March Narsai held an integrity and decency that spoke louder than words.
