St Andrew's Cathedral is a hive of activity as church officials prepare for the arrival of Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Earl of Wessex to St Andrew's Cathedral.
The royals, together with representatives of Commonwealth nations, the Prime Minister John Howard and Australian community leaders will attend the Commonwealth Day observance at 12.25pm on Monday 13 March.
The observance marks the opening of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games.
It will be the first time it has been held outside London.
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh last visited Australia in 2002 and last attended a service at the Cathedral in 1992.
The service will be led by the Dean of Sydney Phillip Jensen, who designed and wrote the service, including special prayers. The Archbishop of Sydney Dr Peter Jensen will preach the sermon.
The Prime Minister and the Premier of NSW will read the Bible passages, and prayers will be led by two young people, Kiruba Ranjit from Strathfield Girls' High School and also Sam Mak.
Church service broadcast onto large outdoor TV screen
Host broadcaster the ABC will broadcast the service live into loungerooms across the nation, as well as onto a large TV screen located in Sydney Square.
Onlookers will be able to observe the Queen and Duke and other official guests arrive and leave the Cathedral.
Members of the public are encouraged to use public transport and arrive early to secure a good vantage point. Tight security will be in place throughout the service.
Highlights will include students of St Andrew's Cathedral School parading the Flags of the Commonwealth nations into the Cathedral and the sound of didgeridoo music played by Saltwater Band.
The music at the service is under the direction of Ross Cobb, the Cathedral's recently arrived Director of Music, and will include music by the full Cathedral Choir, and an orchestra from across Sydney.
In accordance with the traditional Commonwealth Day Observance format, the service will include special performances that represent the broad cultural and racial diversity of the Commonwealth.
During the service there will be a statement from the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Don MacKinnon and a series of commitments led by religious leaders.
Dean Jensen offers warm welcome to all
On behalf of the Chapter and congregation of St Andrew's Cathedral, Dean Phillip Jensen, offering a welcome, said, "The commencement of the Commonwealth Games is a wonderful time to celebrate life, health and vitality in the 53 nations of the Commonwealth.
“We look forward to this Christian gathering giving praise to God for the wonderful provision of our Commonwealth family,” he said.
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will visit Australia from 12-16 March to officially open the Games.
They have a busy schedule over the four days, with visits to Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne.
On the first day of competition the Queen will attending swimming heats while the Duke will watch rugby, badminton and squash matches.
They depart for Singapore on 16 March.
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