Can the soothing sound of his prayers ever fade from our minds? Can his integrity, truthfulness, and unwavering commitment to faith ever be forgotten? Can the love and wisdom he shared with his students be erased? Last night, upon hearing the news of his passing, both his disciples and fellow Mobeds sighed deeply—not because he would ever be forgotten, but because our hearts ache for him.
Although more than 20 years of friendship with Mobed cannot be condensed into just a few lines, it is important to share and record it for future generations. In our final feeling at his home, he shared stories of his 50 years of service as mobed. He spoke of a particularly important time when he assumed the duties of mobed,, often traveling between Isfahan, where he was stationed, and Tehran for ceremonies. When I insisted that he attend ceremonies occasionally as people missed him, he replied, “In 1398 (2019), I told myself I had worked for fifty years as a Mobed, and now I wanted to rest a little.”
What set Mobed Firoozgari apart was that he became part of the Mobed Assembly during the golden era of the Azargoshab Mobeds, Shahzadi, Ashidari, Khorshidians, and many other traditional and veteran Mobeds. Shaped by their wisdom and values, it was Mobed Firoozgari who, in a time when these figures were suddenly absent, took on the responsibility of nurturing and supporting the new generation of Mobeds to ensure the continuity of the Mobed lineage.
One of Mobed Firoozgari’s most important contributions was his dedication to preserving the Vaj Yasht Gahanbar tradition. When the last Mobeds responsible for holding the Vaj Yasht ceremonies fell ill or left Iran, it seemed that these ceremonies might no longer take place in Tehran, just as they had stopped in Yazd and Kerman. Initially, Mobed Firoozgari continued to conduct these ceremonies alone at the quiet and peaceful Adrian temple, driven solely by love and religious devotion. In 1980, he accepted me as his disciple, and together we studied Mobedi and practiced Yasna recitation. After my ordination, we continued to hold the Vaj Yasht ceremonies for over a decade. Eventually, with the addition of new Mobeds for Yasna recitation, the Mobed Assembly ensured the revival of Vaj Yashth ceremonies in Adrian, Yazd.
It is also essential to acknowledge Mobed Kourosh Niknam, who, at that time, served as the religious director of Firouz Behram. He played a key role in reviving Yasna recitations at Adrian in Tehran by bringing Firouz Behram students to the morning Vaj Yasht ceremonies and organizing Gahanbar ceremonies.
Mobed Firoozgari’s role in the Mobed Assembly was crucial in connecting the knowledge of older, esteemed Mobeds with the new generation. In my view, this was vital in ensuring the continuation of important practices such as the ordination of female Mobeds in the Assembly. While Mobed Firoozgari was strict and thorough in training female Mobeds, as he was with all his teachings, once they were ordained, he became their greatest advocate and support. He also played an essential role in communicating the results of this work to the Parsis in India.
Mobed Firoozgari had a deep fondness for the monthly prayers held on Ordibehesht days, often speaking highly of the decision to dedicate one day each month for the community to gather at Adrian for worship. He loved Adrian, cared deeply for the Zoroastrians, and found solace in praying to Ahura Mazda in a pure and unspoiled space. I witnessed this firsthand during a trip for the Vaj Yashth Gahanbar in Yazd. It was a sincere and heartfelt connection between an elder and his God—full of gratitude, purity, and devotion. This was the quality that made Mobed Firoozgari immortal in the hearts of the faithful.
In his demeanor and actions, there was nothing but love and kindness toward others, with no trace of selfishness or personal gain. He brought comfort to the ceremonies for the departed and guided many young people to marriage, offering heartfelt prayers for them. In other words, Mobed Firoozgari was a living embodiment of the sage referred to in Hafez’s poems as “Pir-e Moghan” (the holy magus) in today’s world – a sage whose very essence radiated serenity, perfection and love for others. Being in his presence was a cherished wish for all Zoroastrians, and it is this longing for him that makes us feel the deep loss of our beloved sage today.
Mobed Pedram Soroushpoor – 18 Esfand 1403
