The ANZAC Prayer service held to honour those fallen in war on behalf of Australia was also a time to reflect on the value of life more broadly, as defence force personnel and the general public gathered at St Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney.

The Dean of St Andrew’s Cathedral, the Very Rev Phillip Jensen, spoke on Ecclesiastes, and said that the meaningless of life and death reflected on by the author of Ecclesiastes is ultimately defeated by the Easter message.

“This week is the time to thank God for the sacrifice of those who have gone before us,” said Mr Jensen. “It’s time to thank God for hearing our prayers, and bringing us to a better world. But it’s also time to thank God for something even greater, that is the Easter message of God overcoming death for us all, in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, that beings a better and more permanent kingdom to us, and demonstrates that our life is not vain and meaningless, and their life was not vain and meaningless.”

Chief of the Defence Force General David Hurley led the congregation in a time of prayer for those currently serving in Australia’s defence forces, and for the governments of Australia.

The service was also attended by Rear Admiral Ken Doolan (Ret), National President of the Returned and Services League, Mrs Anne Bonner, National President of the War Widow’s Guild, several representatives from branches of the defence forces and police, and members of State and Federal Parliament.

The service also included the presentation of the wreaths, the Ode, and the playing of The Last Post. The time began and ended with the parade of the colour party.

Special guests in attendance at previous Anzac Prayer Services have included Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce,  Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir, Governor of New South Wales, and Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, former Chief of the Defence Force.

All photography by Ramon Williams