The General Theological Seminary Celebrates its 203rd Commencement
NEW YORK, May 27, 2026 - The General Theological Seminary (GTS) has held its 203rd Commencement, conferring degrees on 10 students from its Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program.
The Seminary also conferred a Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa on The Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa, Diocesan Bishop of the Diocese of North America, Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, in recognition of his work to uplift the marginalized, advocate for social justice, endorse democratic values, and celebrate diversity. The Mar Thoma Church has a close relationship with GTS, sending students to be trained at the Seminary.
The Commencement 2026 celebrations started on May 24 with the traditional Baccalaureate Evensong, which was held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Chelsea, to mark the 195th anniversary of its founding by faculty and students from GTS.
The service was followed by a procession back to the Chapel of the Good Shepherd for the blessing of chalices and patens, intentionally reversing the route of the Seminary’s founding procession, symbolizing both continuity and renewal. The 203rd Commencement ceremony took place on May 25, in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D., President of GTS, said: “GTS has been producing outstanding priests and congregational leaders for two centuries. It is a joy to watch these extraordinary and faithful graduates join the illustrious ranks of those who have gone before. As the hymn King of Glory to the tune of General Seminary was sung in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd, tears were flowing. The magic of GTS continues to form human lives for the challenges facing the future.”
Prizes and Awards:
Church and Society Prize: Michael Fenn
The Episcopal Preaching Foundation Annual Preaching Award: Emily Lindsey Fisher
The Winifred H. Clark, Jr., Prize in Anglican Mission and Social Justice: Tom Phillip
The Edward Cromey Prize in Liturgical Studies: Shannon Darke and Kathryn Brossa
The Martyrs of Memphis Award for Outstanding Service: Michael Looney
J. Wilson Sutton Prize: Michael Fenn
The Clement J. Whipple Prize:
Emily Lindsey Fisher
Notes to editors:
For media inquiries, please contact Nicky Burridge, Senior Vice President for Communications and Institutional Advancement at Virginia Theological Seminary and The General Theological Seminary. Tel: (703) 461-1782 Mobile: (703) 300-2876 Email: nburridge@vts.edu
Photo caption: Faculty, trustees, graduates, and students at The General Theological Seminary.
About The General Theological Seminary:
The General Theological Seminary of The Episcopal Church was founded in 1817. It is the oldest seminary of The Episcopal Church and has educated and formed leaders for the church in a changing world for more than 200 years. The Seminary was chartered by an act of The Episcopal Church’s General Convention and its name was chosen to reflect its founders’ vision that it be a seminary to serve the whole church.