The packed Cathedral was a practical outpouring of feelings and thoughts for what this occasion represented.
The Consuls-General of the United States, Niels Marquardt, and the United Kingdom, Richard Morris, were in attendance, as well as Chaplains and representatives of various services, including RAAF, Fire, Police and Federal Police. Federal and State Governments were also represented, by the Hon. Peter Garrett MP and Mr John Robertson (NSW Leader of the Opposition).
Scripture Readings were presented by Consul-General Niels Marquardt (Ecclesiastes 3:1-11) and the Hon. Peter Garrett (Mark 15:21-39).
An emotional American member of the Cathedral congregation, Danita Murdoch led in prayer for her fellow Americans and the Sermon was presented by the Dean of Sydney, the Very Reverend Phillip Jensen.
He commenced his address with: "To put first things first, let us offer our condolences and prayers to those who have suffered the great tragedy of 9/11. Firstly to the families: husbands; wives; children; parents; uncles and aunts; siblings – who lost their loved ones.
"The news media has a two week attention span but the tragedies and disasters of this world continue for much longer for the personnel involved. The pain, the loss, the suffering – they go on for every day; for months; for years; for decades.
"Secondly our condolences for the nation."
Rev Jensen went on to praise the efforts of rescuers and those involved, putting their lives on the line for friends and unknown people.
He then referred to the Scripture passages and said: "When Jesus died, not only was it the day the world stood still, but also the day eternity stood still.
"A decade later it's right that we remember September the 11th. Two thousand years later it's right that we remember the Lord Jesus Christ and His death on that day."
The audio of Dean Jensen's sermon may be found here : www.sydneycathedral.com/sermons/special-services/9-11-service-day-world-stood-still