Statement from the Archbishop of Sydney, Kanishka Raffel, on the Death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

The death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth is a profound sadness, the depth of which is difficult to express.

Anglicans in NSW join with all Australians in mourning her passing. For most people, her reign and her godly example is all we have known.

We have delighted in her visits to this nation and to our churches. She has been for many a tower of strength in times of adversity, and a model of compassion, faith and selflessness in the service of humanity.

But we do not grieve as those without hope (1 Thess 4:13). We give heartfelt thanks to God for her long reign marked by dignity, grace and unstinting humble service motivated by enduring Christian faith.

We offer our condolences and prayers for the Royal Family. 

God save the King.

Archbishop Kanishka Raffel 9 September 2022

Details of services of commemoration will be made in accordance with requests from Buckingham Palace in due course.  A condolence book will be available at the Cathedral. 

There was a special Service of Choral Evensong at St Andrew’s Cathedral, ton Friday September 9, which included prayers for the Royal Family. View the service here.