The Most Reverend Dr Philip Freier, Archbishop of Melbourne and Primate of Australia, led the service at St Alban’s Cathedral Griffith on Sunday.

It was the first time in over three decades the primate of Australia had visited Griffith and the cathedral was full of parishioners and visitors from Griffith, Yenda and Rankins Springs.

Bishop Rob Gillion was also in attendance along with his wife Janine and Mrs Joy Freier.

Bishop Gillion said he had visited the Deniliquin Ute Muster with Archbishop Freier on Saturday, where they were well received.

“We got into the dust and diesel and saw some of the circle-work, wrestling and performers on stage,” Bishop Gillion said.

“We met with a lot of young people who were all so friendly and thanked us for sharing our love with them.

“Not a lot of people get to meet a bishop and an archbishop in the one day.”

The two clergymen also visited Narrandera’s Rockin’ On East festival on Friday night.

“He hasn’t officially been to the cathedral here before, it’s been splendid having him,” Bishop Gillion said.

“It was good to take him out into the community and meet with others, which is what his sermon was about today.”

The archbishop delivered his sermon from the Gospel according to Mark and spoke of community spirit.

“It’s great to be here and experience the hospitality the region has to offer,” Archbishop Freier said.

“It’s a beautiful building you have here, this architect was actually very active in Melbourne too so it’s similar to some of the ones we have there. There’s a lovely sense of community in the Riverina, we came into town during the Biggest Lap on Saturday and Griffith seems to be very community-minded.”

Father Rob Harris, dean of the cathedral, said it was a “great honour” to have the senior bishop of Australia in Griffith.

“We’re really blessed that he’s come to engage in the cathedral and the diocese,” Fr Harris said.

“I can’t remeber the last time a Primate was here, it might have been the seventies or eighties, they’re spread very thinly over the nations.”

Each of the 38 provinces of the Anglican Communion has their own Primate, a senior leadership position. The Primate is a position elected from the province’s dioceses. They serve for a period of six years with a further three year extension usually granted to them.