[1] On 18 January 1981, he attempted to enter Monastery of Saint Bishoy but was stopped by the Abbot, Bishop Sarabamoun, who told him to return to France to continue his education.

Sorial replied, “No one, having put his hand on the plough can look back.” (Luke 9:62) The Abbot then allowed him to enter.

Pope Shenouda III ordained him as a priest on 14 February 1984, and assigned him to head the Papal Center in St. Bishoy Monastery.

[citation needed] In 1998 Bishop Karas was diagnosed with lung cancer and was given nine months to live.

The bishop continued to celebrate the Divine Liturgy, followed the regular fast schedule and lived a strict ascetic life.