A Fijian Bible Study
A new book of weekly Bible Studies in Fijian based on the Revised Common Lectionary by Rev Dr Iliesa Jovili Meo
May 10, 2023
A new publication containing detailed Bible Studies for the weekly Lectionary readings written in Fijian has been launched this week. The text is the work of respected Uniting Church Fijian minister and theologian Rev Dr Iliesa Jovili Meo who for many years produced the weekly Bible Studies to support Fijian speakers in deepening their faith through engagement with scripture.
“The secret is to pause for a few minutes each day and open our hearts and minds to reading and meditating on the Words of God,” says Rev Dr Jovili Meo
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.
The 324-page book includes advice on how to study the Bible, an introduction to the books of the Bible and a 4-page reflection for each week of the Lectionary for Year A. It includes forewords from President of the Methodist Church in Fiji, Rev Ili Vunisuwai, Chair of the Fijian National Conference, Jone Lotu, and President of the Uniting Church, Rev Sharon Hollis. Editions of the book for Year B and C are to come.
Reflecting on this work over many years, Rev Dr Meo shared how he first began compiling the Bible Studies in 2002 to support Fijians worshipping in Chadstone, Melbourne. His aim was to both support people to understand the Christian faith in Fijian and to help maintain the Fijian ethos, language, culture and identity amidst other prevailing and dominant cultures.
His work soon became much valued for Fijians in Australia, New Zealand and other parts of the world.
“No longer do we sit under the coconut trees and enjoy the sea breeze but we are in a new environment,” reflects Rev Dr Meo. “The fumes of vehicles and the busy lives dictated by the business of the day. The secret is to pause for a few minutes each day and open our hearts and minds to reading and meditating on the Words of God.”
“Readings are arranged so that a reader or meditator by following the events of the Christian year, completes the whole Bible each year. There are many resources in the English language and one can use these as complementary readings.”
“This attempt to produce lectionary readings in Fijian has taken years to put together and it is my prayer that they are spiritual food for you and your friends.”
A joyful celebration service held at Canterbury Uniting Church by the Fiji Parish launched the book on Sunday 7 May, which included worship, the launch and performances from a number of choirs representing different congregations and groups within the Parish.
Associate General Secretary Rev Lindsay Cullen attended and preached at the service representing the Assembly. Others who attended included Rev Kelepi Vaka from the Central Coast accompanying his Fijian Congregation and Rev Sam Sadrata of Knox College. Rev Dr Meo was represented by his wife Lisa Meo and daughter Litea.
In her foreword for the book, Rev Sharon Hollis writes, “We are extremely grateful to Rev Dr Meo for his significant contribution to our Fijian communities and to all who helped make this project a reality, including Laisiasa Seduadua and the members of Beverley Hills Congregation of the Fiji Parish and Litea Meo-Sewabu, Rev Dr Meo’s daughter, who contributed to the editing and production.”
“It is my prayer that all who read and engage with this Fijian Bible Study may find their faith deepened and strengthened and be inspired to bear witness to the love of Christ. I also pray that it may inspire others to share their scholarship and wisdom in languages other than English for the enrichment of the whole.”
To find out more and to purchase copies of the book, contact Laisiasa Seduadua on email: laiseduadua@gmail.com.
Pictured above (clockwise): Rev Dr Jovili Meo and his wife Lisa Meo with the published book, Laisiasa Seduadua presenting the book, a copy of the book on display, members gathered for the launch, Assembly Associate General Secretary Rev Lindsay Cullen preaching at the launch, and Litea and Lisa Meo with Laisiasa.
Related news
Fijian Bible Study
A Fijian Bible Study A new book of weekly Bible Studies in Fijian based on the Revised Common Lectionary by Rev Dr Iliesa Jovili MeoA new publication containing detailed Bible Studies for the weekly Lectionary readings written in Fijian has been launched this week. The text is the work of respected Uniting Church Fijian minister
Remembering the Armenian Genocide
April 24 marks the 108th anniversary of the Armenian genocide. The Uniting Church in Australia formally acknowledged the Armenian Genocide at its 14th Assembly meeting in 2015. We share this prayer from Uniting Church Pastor Levon Kardashian who is the grandson of a survivor. Subscribe to our newsletterIf you want to get the latest news
Together Yes
Together, YesBecome a host for a conversation about what it means to enshrine an Indigenous Voice in our constitution.The upcoming referendum is a historic opportunity for Australians to acknowledge and honour First Nations people in this land and to walk together as a nation toward a better future. Uniting Church people have an opportunity to
Praying for Turkey and Syria
Praying for Turkey and SyriaA huge magnitude 7.8 earthquake on Monday has killed more than 3,800 people across Turkey and northwest Syria, with freezing winter weather adding to the plight of the thousands left injured or homeless and hampering efforts to find survivors. Assembly National Consultant Rev Dr Apwee Ting has offered this prayer in
A Year of Circles
As the year draws to a close, we thought it was worth taking at look at just some of the ways the Assembly Circles of Interest have contributed to, supported or inspired the work of the Assembly across 2022. In these highlights, we see a picture of the national identity of the Uniting Church reflected
KNC Prayer Vigil
KNC Prayer Vigil – Crowd Crush South KoreaImage Credit: 아이엠피터NewsThe Korean National Conference in the Uniting Church in Australia has organised a prayer gathering for those affected by the recent tragic event that happened in South Korea. Those who have lost their loved ones, their families and friends must be going through the most painful
vlog from global christian forum
Sharing friendship, faith and insights with churches in AsiaGlobal Christian Forum gathers in Seoul Watch this vlog from Uniting Church Assembly National Consultant Rev Dr Apwee Ting reporting from a regional gathering of the Global Christian Forum (GCF) in Seoul, South Korea. About 60 Christian leaders gathered together at the Myung Sung Church – the largest Presbyterian
Mission, fellowship and hospitality: FNC 2022
Mission, fellowship and hospitality: FNC 2022Image: Filipe Batiwale at the 2022 Fijian National Conference Written by Filipe Batiwale The 2022 Uniting Church in Australia Fiji National Conference (FNC) was held in Darwin from 29 September – 2 October. The theme was “Remember our past to shape our future.” As a youth attending the conference for