Daijiworld News Network - Mangalore (MB)

Mangalore, Sep 3: Protestant Church of South India (CSI) South Karnataka diocese's former Bishop D P Shettian (74) passed away here on Saturday, September 2, following a brief illness.

Bishop Shettian had risen to the high post after having served for 44 years. He was a prolific orator and inspiring community leader who had earned high respect and admiration from people of different communities.

Born in Kallianpur, Udupi on June 29, 1932, he had completed his TCH teaching diploma in 1952 and taught in Basel Mission schools in Karnad-Mulki and Ullal. Between 1953-57, he studied Theology in the then Basel Mission Seminary. Between 1957-1960, he taught at Santur UBMC School and also served as pastor there.

Having studied Bachelor of Divinity in United Theological College, Bangalore in 1960-61, later he obtained a post-graduate degree in Sociology from the University of Mysore. Thereafter, he served as pastor for a short while in UBMC church, Haleangady.

In 1972, he was appointed pastor of the CSI Shanti Cathedral. He also held additional charge as CSI south Karnataka province's treasurer and of Panambur, Beltangady and Krishnapur churches.

Raised to the post of Bishop in 1989, he served the south Karnataka diocese, comprising the revenue districts of Dakshina Kannada (Mangalore), Udupi, Kodagu, Mysore, Mandya, Chikmagalur, Hassan and Chamarajnagar, until 1997.

Besides, the late Bishop had held several responsible offices during the period of his active vocation.

He is survived by wife, three sons and a daughter. His funeral rites will be held in the evening of Sunday, September 2 in Shanti Cathedral, Balmatta in the city.