The leader of Australia’s largest Anglican Diocese, the Archbishop of Sydney Glenn Davies, says the fast pace of life means Australians spend little time reflecting on the ‘timeless truths’ of Easter.

“It is a measure of our society’s fast pace (or perhaps commercialism) that this year, hot cross buns came on sale just after New Year’s Day” Dr Davies said in his annual Easter message.

“By now, three months later, we have become so used to them that we forget they are marked with a cross.  The speed of our lives leaves us little time to reflect on the timeless truth of this symbol.”

Churches across the country are gearing up for Easter Services. After last year hosting the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Easter, with thousands waiting outside, St Andrew's Cathedral in Sydney will cater for its regular congregation and visitors. 

Archbishop Davies will preach at the Cathedral on Easter Day (Sunday).

In his Easter Message, he said the symbol of the cross was commonplace, but represented an instrument of torture, pain and death.“So why was Jesus, God’s righteous son, on a cross at all? The Bible tells us that on the cross, Jesus took the judgment that we deserve. He died, was buried and three days later, rose again.” Dr Davies said.

“What does the cross mean to you?” he asked.  “For followers of Jesus, the cross is now empty because Jesus has risen from the dead and offers us new life. This Easter, the mark of the cross can mark a new beginning for you, too.”