The 203rd Commencement of Virginia Theological Seminary
A week of worship and celebration honoring our graduates, with events on May 6–7 and a reception following the commencement service.
Event Listings
Service for the Mission of the Church
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
5:00 p.m. | Immanuel Chapel
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Commencement Service (The 203rd Commencement)
Thursday, May 7, 2026
10:00 a.m. | Immanuel Chapel
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Commencement Reception
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Immediately following the service | Coffield Refectory
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COMMENCEMENT FAQs
Doors to Immanuel Chapel will open at 9:00 a.m. for ticketed guests. At 9:50 a.m., any remaining seating will be made available to guests without tickets.
Yes. Overflow seating will be available in the Addison Academic Center, where the ceremony will be livestreamed for additional guests wishing to remain on campus.
Guest parking will be available at:
Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill
3606 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22304
Beth El Hebrew Congregation
3830 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22304
Golf carts will circulate between the parking areas and Immanuel Chapel to assist guests.
For on-campus accessible parking, please contact Quinn Harkless at [email protected] in advance of the ceremony.
Guests are invited to dress in attire appropriate for a festive worship service. Many attendees choose business or church attire.
Graduating students will receive detailed instructions from the Registrar regarding academic regalia and attire requirements.
Honorary Degree recipients will receive separate communication regarding vesture and procession details.
Commencement takes place within the context of Morning Prayer. In order to preserve the reverent and worshipful character of the service, photography and video recording are not permitted during the Commencement Service or the Commencement Address.
Family members and friends are welcome to take photographs as graduates receive their degrees; however, we kindly ask that guests remain seated and refrain from entering the aisles during the ceremony.
The Seminary’s official photographers will capture the service, and photographs will be made available on the Commencement webpage approximately two weeks following the ceremony.
Yes. Master’s-level graduating students are required to attend the Commencement rehearsal on Monday, May 5, at 4:00 p.m. in Immanuel Chapel. Doctoral graduating students are welcome to attend. Honorary Degree recipients are not expected to attend rehearsal.
The Service for the Mission of the Church is optional for students and will not be livestreamed.