news article
From the desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez - Notice of Passing - Bishop Devadhar
July 19, 2023 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following email was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on July 19, 2023.
The following was sent on behalf of Bishop Devadhar's family on August 7, 2023:
My family and I offer our deepest thanks to you for your warm expressions of sympathy after the unexpected passing of Suda. The outpouring of love and appreciation of his ministry among you brought us comfort. We hope knowing how much each of you meant to him brings you peace as well. The people of Upper New York always held a special place in Suda’s heart. He appreciated all that he learned and experienced in ministry with you as a pastor and as a district superintendent and the support he received that led to his election to the episcopacy as well as the ways you nurtured us in our new life in the United States. You touched our lives in so many wonderful ways. As we journey through grief together, let us continue to hold one another in our prayers.
With much appreciation and love always,
In Christ’s love,
Prema Devadhar and The Hemmelgarn Family
“Well done, good and faithful servant…” Matthew 25-21a
Dear siblings in Christ,
With a heavy heart and sadness, I share that retired Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar died yesterday, July 18, 2023.
Bishop Sudarshana, a son of the Upper New York area, served as Bishop from 2004-2022. Before serving in the episcopacy, Bishop Devadhar served for eight years as the district superintendent for the Ontario District of the North Central New York Annual Conference.
I will remember Bishop Devadhar for his deep spirituality, compassion, and heart for inclusion and ecumenical/interfaith collaboration.
Please, surround the Devadhar family in your prayers. You may send condolences to his wife, Prema Devadhar at 7128 Thorndale Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45244
I ask that you respect the family's privacy and refrain from calling Prema to allow them the space they need to grieve their devasting loss.
As soon as details about funeral arrangements become available, I will share them with you.
Together in the journey,
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
The United Methodist Church
Serving United Methodists of Upper New York