Ryan is a senior at General Theological Seminary. Ryan, along with Mary, has been leading the worship in the Chapel. Often I would arrive and he would be turning on the Chapel lights, organizing the readings, and deciding whether or not the confession should be said in Easter. As the Affiliation was been negotiated he was the Student Body President. He had several meetings with me; he faithfully and thoughtfully conveyed student anxiety and feedback.

Seminary formation takes many forms. Perhaps one would not pick the combination of COVID, an Affiliation Agreement, and then the post affiliation organization of the Faculty as the season in which to be formed at the institution. Yet you talk to Ryan, your listen to Ryan, and one realizes that a good priest has been made. GTS did its work: he can sing the office; he can be pastorally present; and he can witness to the values of the Gospel.

Thank you Ryan Zavacky: you are truly an heir to the legacy of great GTS alumni as you graduate from this remarkable school.

The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and President of The General Theological Seminary