"We can't understand why 29 men filled with life could die so tragically, " the Rev Dr Sarah Mitchell told those attending a Pike River memorial service at Knox Church in Dunedin yesterday.
Dr Mitchell said the tragedy left an "aching void" in the miners' families.
The men were "irreplaceable" to friends and families, who now faced the diminishing chances of recovering the bodies.
Heading off for a day of "work and promise", they could not have expected the "flash" that signified the November 19 explosion.
There was a strong sense the men were taken before their time, which made people question their own mortality, as well as seek answers about what had caused the disaster, Dr Mitchell said.
Even people who did not know the miners or their families could show their compassion, she said.
As Dr Mitchell read the names and ages of the 29, the church bells rang once for each man.
About 70 people attended the service, at which Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull and the Rev Dr David Clark gave readings.
Tomorrow's service at St Paul's Cathedral at 1.15pm is an "opportunity for this city to express its grief, to remember the miners, to show our continued care and support for the families involved, and to acknowledge the impact of this tragedy on the Grey community", Dean of Dunedin the Very Rev Dr Trevor James said.
A miners' memorial service will be held today at 7pm at St Thomas' Church, Omarama.
