Fairfield, Australia -- Hundreds of people attended a memorial service at the St Hurmizd Assyrian cathedral of Greenfield Park in Sydney's west last night. The service was in remembrance of H.B Mar Narsai DeBaz, the Metropolitan of Lebanon, Syria and all Europe for the Assyrian church of the East. People also lay flowers and wreaths on the cathedral gates along with messages and cards of sympathy. Among the attendees local Assyrian organisations and politicians payed their respects. Priests from the Ancient church of the East of Sydney were also present.

The late 70 year old prelate died at an Arizona Hospital in the United States. Mar Narsai DeBaz was struck with illness in 2009, and was recently receiving treatment in the States.

The Metropolitan has made numerous trips to Sydney, the most recent a year ago for the elevation to Metropolitan of the Australian and New Zealand bishop Mar Meelis Zaia OAM. Mar Narsai DeBaz also took part in the 2008 laying of the foundations for the English parish of Ss. Peter and Paul church to be built at Cecil Park in Sydney's west.

An official holy mass service will be conducted this coming Friday morning in his name and it's expected that thousands will attend the Greenfield Park cathedral.

The late Metropolitan's funeral will be held in the United States city of Chicago where the Assyrian church of the East is based, on Friday the 19th of February.

By E Brikha
www.streetcorner.com.au