Consecration of the New Bishop of the CSI Karnataka Central Diocese
The Karnataka Central Diocese joyfully announces the consecration of Rt. Rev. Dr. Vincent Vinod Kumar as its Fifth Bishop.
The Consecration Service was held at 8:00 AM on Monday, 4th August 2025, at the historic CSI St. Mark's Cathedral, Bangalore. The solemn service was presided over by the Most Rev. Dr. Prof. K. Reuben Mark, Moderator of the Church of South India, and graced by Adv. C. Fernandas Rathina Raja, General Secretary of the CSI, and Prof. Dr. B. Vimal Sukumar, Honorary Treasurer of the CSI.
Bishops from various CSI dioceses, retired bishops, diocesan officers, the Honorable Home Minister of Karnataka, principals of theological colleges, and a large gathering of clergy, lay leaders, and faithful members from across the Church were present.
The worship began with the Opening Prayer by Rev. Theodore William, followed by the hymn “O God, Our Help in Ages Past.” The Preparation of Worship was led by Rt. Rev. Timothy Ravinder, Bishop of the CSI Coimbatore Diocese.
The Reading of the Law and Commandments was conducted by Rt. Rev. Dr. Malayil Sabu K. Cherian, Bishop of the Madhya Kerala Diocese, and the Confession was led by Rt. Rev. V.S. Francis, Bishop of the East Kerala Diocese.
The Presentation of the Bishop-designate was made by Rev. Dexter Maben, Rev. Paul Dinakaran, and Rev. William Jones, presbyters of the Karnataka Central Diocese. The Instrument of Election and Appointment was read by the General Secretary of the CSI.
During the Ministry of the Word, the Old Testament was read by the Honorary Treasurer of the CSI, followed by the Responsive Psalm led by Rev. Shylashree. The Epistle, read in Tamil, was delivered by Rev. Christy Gnanadhas, and the Gospel, read in Kannada, was delivered by Rev. Solomon Paul. The sermon was preached by the Moderator of the CSI, who introduced the Bishop of the Coimbatore Diocese and delivered a profound message based on John 20:19–23, emphasizing Christ’s assurance: “Peace be with you.”
Following the Examination of the Bishop-designate, the Consecration took place through the Laying on of Hands during the singing of the hymn “Come, Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire”, led by the Moderator, bishops, and selected presbyters. The Moderator then presented the Bible and Pastoral Staff, extended the Right Hand of Fellowship, and officiated the adorning of the new Bishop with episcopal symbols. The Cross was worn by Rt. Rev. Hemachandra Kumar, Bishop of the Karnataka Southern Diocese; the Ring was presented by Rt. Rev. Dr. Royce Manoj Kumar Victor, Bishop of the Malabar Diocese; and the Saffron Stole was placed by Rt. Rev. Dr. Jeyasingh Prince Prabhakaran, Bishop of the Diocese of Madurai-Ramnad. The Certificate of Election and Appointment was handed over by the General Secretary of the CSI, and Consecration certificate, signed by the bishops, was presented by the Moderator of the CSI. The Synod Constitution Book was presented by the Honorary Treasurer of the CSI, and the Diocesan Constitution Book was presented by Mr. Solomon Raju, Treasurer of the Diocese.
The bishops then welcomed the newly consecrated Bishop into the episcopate. The Installation Ceremony was led by the diocesan officers and representatives. Dr. Alistair R. A. Freese, Principal of Bishop Cotton Boys’ School, participated in leading the Bishop ceremoniously to the Episcopal Chair.
Rev. Christopher Samuel, Assistant Secretary of the Diocese, made the official announcements. The newly consecrated Bishop responded by sharing his vision and mission for the Diocese of Karnataka Central.
The Prayers of Intercession were led by Rev. Satish Timothy Paul, the Vice President of the Diocese.
The Offertory Prayer was offered by Rt. Rev. Martin C. Borgai, Bishop of the Karnataka Northern Diocese and Moderator’s Commissary for the Diocese. The Holy Communion was celebrated by the Moderator of the CSI, assisted by Rt. Rev. Dr. P. Isaac Varaprasad, Bishop of the Rayalaseema Diocese; Rt. Rev. Dr. H. Sharma Nithiyanantham, Bishop of the CSI Vellore Diocese; and Rt. Rev. Dr. K. Padma Rao, Bishop of the Dornakkal Diocese.
The service concluded with the Benediction, solemnly pronounced by the Moderator of the Church of South India, bringing the Consecration Worship to a joyful and holy close.
