The Transfiguration – A Tale of ‘Thomian’ synergy

S. Thomas’ College Old Boys’ Association of NSW & ACT Celebrates ‘The Feast of the Transfiguration’ for the first time at St Andrew’s Cathedral Sydney

On Saturday 5th August 2017 evening over a hundred & Fifty Thomian families, friends and well-wishers gathered within the glorious St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney, for the inaugural service to celebrate the ‘Feast of the Transfiguration’ And … he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.
And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering (Luke 9:28-29)

The S. Thomas’ College Chapel is celebrating its ninetieth year, coinciding with one hundred years of the College at Mt Lavinia where it was first established one hundred and sixty six years ago at Mutuwal in Sri Lanka.

Although the naming of the College Chapel remain a mystery it is appropriate that S. Thomas’ seek to ‘Transform’ the lives of students. The chapel is famous for its choir and the enthralling mural capturing the scene of our Lord’s transfiguration painted by David Paynter nearly fifty years ago. Celebrating this service at the Cathedral added much significance and made the occasion very special and holy as it signifies the extraordinary measures God has blessed S. Thomas’ College as a unique educational institution in Sri Lanka.

The STC OBA committee deemed it fitting that this celebration service be held in Sydney to
commemorate these milestones. Early in the year a request was made to the Dean of Sydney
Rev Kanishka Raffel, to hold the service at the Cathedral, which was kindly accepted. With his advice and blessings the traditional order of service which includes collects and Bible readings were arranged. The hymns were selected by David Sansoni who conducted the choir as well. The Director of Music of the Cathedral, Ross Cobb, generously gave of his time and talent, and steered the music component of the service from the organ loft. The sound of the organ was a glorious accompaniment to the choir comprising faithful ‘Thomian’ “voices”, significantly enlarged by the cheerful participation of 24 Ladies and Gentlemen from the choir of St. Paul’s Castle Hill.

Rev Kanishka gave the message based on God’s voice from heaven ‘This is my son, the chosen One. Listen to him” Luke 9:35. The word went out far and wide. A few old Thomians from  Melbourne led by Roger Aldons made the trip to Sydney for the occasion missing the Victorian OBA service of the Transfiguration on the same day, which has been on their calendar for decades.

An honored guest was Eddie Appathurai, Vice President of the OBA in Sri Lanka who was  visiting Sydney and ensured he would be present on the day. STC OBA is grateful to all who graced the occasion to praise God and celebrate this special occasion. There were many who gave of their time and energy to ensure this was an occasion and an act of praise to God in reaching out to the community at large. The evening ended with time for warm fellowship with traditional Sri Lankan savories, cake tea & coffee at the Cathedral Chapter House.

Esto perpetua
S. Thomas’ College OBA NSW & ACT

Audio, Pictures, Order of Service & transcript of the Message delivered by Rev Kanishka Raffel are found here https://www.facebook.com/media/set/? set=a.10155008039363031&type=1&l=62f4a7de5a
Video https://youtu.be/ZmnZEwwgIZk
Message https://youtu.be/wkL1LIJcHG4