20/07/2026
Obituary Announcement
His Excellency Bishop Mar Gregory Karotemprel CMI, Bishop Emeritus of Rajkot
With profound sorrow, His Excellency Bishop Mar Jose Chittooparambil CMI, Bishop of Rajkot, announces the passing of Bishop Mar Gregory Karotemprel CMI (93), Bishop Emeritus of Rajkot, who was called to his eternal reward on Sunday, 19 July 2026, at 12:17 p.m.
Bishop Mar Gregory Karotemprel CMI and the Missionary Outreach of the Syro-Malabar Church
Ordained Bishop on 24 April 1983, Bishop Mar Gregory served the Syro-Malabar Church in different roles. A great missionary and visionary pastor, he dedicated his entire life to the service of Christ and His Church. His remarkable contribution went far beyond the growth and development of the Eparchy of Rajkot. He played a pivotal role in expanding and strengthening the missionary outreach of the Syro-Malabar Church. His exemplary priestly and episcopal ministry, his missionary zeal, and his unwavering commitment to the proclamation of the Gospel will be remembered with deep gratitude.
CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION FOR EVANGELIZATION AND PASTORAL CARE OF THE MIGRANTS (1993-2008)
In the very first Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church, held from 20–25 May 1993, the decision was taken to constitute the Major Archiepiscopal Commission for Evangelization and Pastoral Care of Migrants. This Commission was established to assist the Major Archbishop in his pastoral responsibility towards Syro-Malabar faithful living outside the proper territory of the Church, both in India and abroad, and to animate and coordinate the evangelizing mission of the Church. The Synod elected Bishop Mar Gregory Karotemprel CMI as its first Chairman (Synodal News, No. 1, Aug. 1993, pp. 6–7; Synodal News, No. 6, May 1995, p. 41).
During the VI Synod of Bishops (12–24 Jan. 1998), Mar Varkey Vithayathil C.Ss.R., Apostolic Administrator of the Syro-Malabar Church, reconstituted the Commission, once again appointing Bishop Karotemprel as Chairman of the above said commission (Synodal News, No. 11, March 1998, p. 15).
The VII Synod of Bishops (14–20 November 1999) resolved to establish a Mission Secretariat under the Commission at the Major Archiepiscopal Curia, Mount St. Thomas. Mar Varkey Vithayathil canonically erected the Secretariat by Decree No. 1871/99 on 17 Dec 1999 (Synodal News, Vol. 7, Nos. 1 & 2, Dec. 1999, pp. 56, 70, 124).
Later, during the XI Synod of Bishops (3–15 Nov. 2003), Mar Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil, Major Archbishop, reconstituted the Commission once more, entrusting Bishop Karotemprel with its leadership (Synodal News, Vol. 11, No. 2, December 2003, p. 30). He continued to serve faithfully in this office until the XVI Synod on 27 August 2008 (Synodal News, Vol. 12, Nos. 1 & 2, Nov. 2008, p. 47).
Throughout this period, Bishop Karotemprel convened several Global Migrant Meetings, tirelessly visiting communities across the world to organize and strengthen Syro-Malabar migrants. His committed service bore abundant fruit: multiple eparchies were established both within India and abroad, ensuring pastoral care for the faithful. The Commission, under his leadership, worked diligently to prepare reports, engage with people and Church authorities, and lay the foundations for the missionary expansion of the Syro-Malabar Church.
His vision, dedication, and missionary zeal made him a cornerstone in the global outreach of the Syro-Malabar Church, leaving a legacy that continues to shape its evangelizing mission today.
ASSOCIATION OF SUPPORTERS OF SYRO-MALABAR MISSION (ASSM)
The Synod of Bishops approved the vision of Bishop Mar Gregory Karotemprel CMI, Bishop Emeritus of Rajkot, who proposed the establishment of the Association of Supporters of Syro-Malabar Mission (ASSM). He was appointed its first Director, and the First General Body Meeting was held on 20 April 2012 at the Curia, Mount St. Thomas. Bishop Karotemprel continued to serve in this office until August 2014.
Today, this association—later renamed as the Syro-Malabar Mission (SyMM)—continues to support missionary projects and contributes to the formation of seminarians, religious, and lay faithful engaged in the mission.
SYRO-MALABAR DALIT VIKAS SOCIETY (SDVS)
In January 2017, the Synod of Bishops approved another initiative presented by Bishop Karotemprel: the Syro-Malabar Dalit Vikas Society (SDVS). This venture was established to uplift Dalit Syro-Malabar Christians across dioceses in the proper territory.
The SDVS functions as an organ under the Syro-Malabar Mission (SyMM), with its accounts managed under the Syro-Malabar Church Charity Fund. The Major Archbishop serves as Patron, while Bishop Karotemprel was appointed Co-Patron. Its purpose is to support Dalit students excelling in academics, particularly those pursuing higher studies in fields such as Medicine, Engineering, Social Work, and Business Administration.
FUNERAL SERVICES AND PRAYERS
The funeral rites for Bishop Mar Gregory Karotemprel CMI will commence at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, at Prem Mandir, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Rajkot. His Beatitude Mar Raphael Thattil, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, will preside over the rites.
All the faithful, especially the migrant communities of the Syro-Malabar Church, are urged to remember our beloved Bishop in their prayers, commending his noble soul to the infinite mercy of God.
May the Risen Lord grant Bishop Mar Gregory eternal rest, and may his soul rest in peace. His blessings and prayers will remain with us always.
Commission for Evangelization and Pastoral Care of the Migrants (CEPCM)
Syro-Malabar Mission (SyMM)
Syro-Malabar Dalit Vikas Society (SDVS)
20-07.2026
