Bishop Gregory Karotemprel was born on 6 May 1933 at Paika.  He belonged to Chemmalamattam parish in the eparchy of Palai.  After his school education in Palai, he joined the CMI congregation and made his first profession on 8 December 1955 at Mannanam.  He had his Philosophical and Theological studies at Dharmaram, Bangalore.  He was ordained priest on 17 May 1963.  After his ordination he was teaching at Rajagiri High School, Kalamassery  from 1963 to 1973.  From 1973-75 he did his Masters Degree in Education from the Deguesue University, Pittsburgh, USA.  On his return from the States, he was appointed Head Master of Rajagiri High School, Kalamassery until he was elected Provincial of the S.H. Province of the CMI Congregation in 1978.  While he was the Provincial, he was appointed bishop of Rajkot on 2 February 1983.  His ordination as Bishop took place on 24 April 1983 and was installed as Bishop on the same day.