The Rev. Canon d’Rue Hazel, Canon to the Ordinary, has announced her plans to retire at the end of June 2026. Her thirty years of faithful and effective servanthood have included ministry as a Christian formation lay professional, as a deacon, and as an archdeacon. Over the course of her ministry, she has served four bishops, providing leadership in vocational discernment, congregational development, administration, governance, and clergy transitions.
We invite you to celebrate Canon Hazel as she enters this new chapter of life, while also helping ensure a healthy and thoughtful transition in the months ahead.
A Note from Canon Hazel
As I step into retirement and return home to Columbia to embrace my highest calling as a full‑time wife, mom, and “MamaRue” to two beautiful grandchildren, my heart is full. For more than 30 years, it has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to serve in both parochial and diocesan ministry within the church. The past 20-plus years have been quite a journey as I served bishops in Upper South Carolina and here in Virginia. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would conclude my active ministry as the Canon to the Ordinary in the Diocese of Virginia.
To Bishop Stevenson, thank you for the trust you placed in me and for the collegiality we have shared for a very long time. To the clergy, congregations, and fellow bishop staff colleagues, the relationships that I have made here are among the richest gifts of my vocation, and I will cherish them always. Though my daily calling now shifts to a new season of family, travel, and rediscovering hobbies long set aside, the Diocese of Virginia will remain my canonical home. I know our paths will continue to cross as we journey together in the life of the Church. Thank you all!
A Note from Bishop Stevenson
It was not long after I was elected bishop that I knew d’Rue Hazel was a person I wanted to work alongside of as I began my new ministry. I was certain that she would bring a wealth of knowledge, skill, and good humor to her own ministry in Virginia – and that she has. As Canon to the Ordinary, she has spearheaded initiatives that strengthen congregations and empowered leaders in a wide variety of settings. She has helped clarify policies and practices that build trust. And, she has provided invaluable counsel to me as I seek to live into my calling. I will miss working with her, and being made a better bishop by her. May her retirement be full of blessings!