Rev. H. S. Karnunakara, Retired Presbyter of the CSI Karnataka Central Diocese was called to the eternal glory at Bangalore on 31st August 2020.

He was born to Rev. H. S. Sathyanathan (Diocesan Presbyter) and Mrs. SathyaSalomi on 10th December 1947 in Tumkur. He did his schooling in Bellary and Hardwick School in Mysore and his Pre-University College studies in Gowribidanur and started to work in Tumkur for a year. While working in a private company, he received God’s Call to serve in the Pastoral Ministry. In obedience to God’s call, he joined the Karnataka Central Diocese and completed his basic theological studies at Karnataka Theological College and began to serve the Diocese as a Deacon and as a Presbyter for 45 years.While in ministry he did his Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.) studies and Master’s in Theology (M.Th.) studies at the United Theological College, Bangalore. He had the privilege of doing his Diploma in Ministry (D. Min) in Hanil Theological College, South Korea and pursued his Doctoral Studies in San Anselmo College was in California, United States of America.

He served the Diocese both in the rural parishes as well as urban parishes and worked for the upliftment of the downtrodden people. In his leadership, he built CSI Christakrupalaya Church in J. P. Nagar, CSI Covenant Church in Koramangala and renovated CSI Shanthi Church in Wilson Garden (the first Air-conditioned Church in the Diocese). While serving in the Diocese, he served the Bible Society of India (BSI) as Secretary for its Karnataka Auxiliary on deputation. After his retirement, he continued to help in the Diocesan churches and the Anglican Church at White Field.

He was a committed Pastor who kept in touch with each congregation member and offered all possible help and support to the congregation members in time of need. He was a very good counselor and an excellent preacher who was rooted in biblical insights and related to the lives of common people. He was a Pastor with a missional vision. He served the Diocese as Director in various departments such as Sunday School, Mission and Evangelism, Laity and Professional Workers, Care of Cemeteries and Care for the Elderly.

Rev. H. S. Karunakara is survived by his wife Mrs. Alice Karunakara, daughter Dr. Kavitha, Son in law, Son Mr. Samuel and grandchildren Joshua and Deborah. His funeral service took place on 1st September 2020 in the Hosur Road, Protestant Christian Cemetary, Bangalore.

In the sad demise of Rev. H. S. Karnunakara, the Church has lost an eminent leader. The Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Prasanna Kumar Samuel, Officers, Area Chairmen, Pastors and Diocesan Workers of the Karnataka Central Diocese express their deep condolences to the bereaved family