Residents have held open-air prayers for the dead and missing on the lawns of churches cracked and shattered in New Zealand's earthquake while teams searched for more bodies in what could become the country's deadliest disaster.
"As our citizens make their way to church this Sunday they will be joined in prayer by millions around the world," said mayor Bob Parker of the devastated city of Christchurch.
"For now we are truly comforted by the thoughts and prayers of so many."
The death toll rose Sunday to 146, with officials citing "grave fears" for the more than 200 still missing and prime minister John Key warning that last week's 6.3-magnitude quake could be the country's worst disaster, surpassing a 1931 shock that killed 256 people.
When the quake ripped through the city last Tuesday, the city's churches were among the hardest-hit buildings.
Among them was Christchurch Cathedral, at the heart of the city, which suffered massive damage, its bell tower in ruins and 22 people potentially lying dead inside.
Still, many churches found a way to hold Mass
Parishioners set up rows of chairs in the sunlight and under the shade of trees on the lawn of St Barnabas, an 86-year-old Anglican church where the quake cracked stone walls, shattered some stain glass windows and left the tower sinking.
Wails of passing police cars and the roar of a military chopper overhead occasionally interrupted the sermon.
The Reverend Philip Robinson later tried to rally a sombre crowd. "This is not called Christchurch for nothing," he said, drawing smiles from a few. "We will rise again."
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