The Right Reverend Subrata Chakrabarty
Bishop, Diocese of Barrackpore (CNI)
The Right Reverend Subrata Chakrabarty was born on 12 March 1967 at Gosaba, South 24 Parganas. Raised in a deeply Christian family amid economic hardship, he grew up with a strong faith shaped by parish life, Sunday School, and youth ministry at St. Andrew’s Church, Gosaba. Responding to God’s call to ordained ministry, he was encouraged by Bishop Samar Bairagi and formally entered theological training. He completed his Bachelor of Theology in 1993 from Bishop’s College, Kolkata, and later his Bachelor of Divinity (2004–2007), preparing himself for lifelong service in the Church.
He was ordained as a deacon on 31 October 1993 and began his ministry at Chapra Pastorate, where his humility and pastoral care earned him the affectionate title “Chota Padre.” Ordained to the priesthood on 28 August 1994, he went on to serve faithfully in several pastorates of the Diocese of Barrackpore, often entrusted with challenging responsibilities and multiple charges. His ministry included service at Chapra, Canning, Shikarpur, Raghabpur, Kumrakhali, Baruipur, Gangrai, and Khari Pastorates. Alongside parish responsibilities, he served as superintendent of church hostels, undertook leadership and management training, and completed advanced church management studies at Birmingham University, England, reflecting his commitment to both pastoral care and institutional strengthening.
From 2007 to 2019, he provided sustained pastoral leadership as Presbyter of Gangrai Pastorate, followed by service at Khari and Baruipur Pastorates. From 2019 to 2022, he also served as Rector of St. Stephen’s School, Baruipur, combining educational leadership with pastoral oversight. Widely respected for his compassion, courage, and closeness to people, he stood with communities during floods and crises. His diocesan leadership grew through his service as an Executive Member of the Diocese from 2017 and as Vice-President from March 2021. On 14 January 2022, he was elected the Sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Barrackpore and was consecrated on 23 January 2022 at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata, and installed the same day at St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral, Barrackpore—marking a significant milestone in a priestly journey rooted in faith, service, and dedication to the Church.