Ilaijia Varani

Ratu Ilaijia Varani was a chief of Viwa, Bau Island, Tailevu in Fiji in the mid-to-late 19th century.

Career

Varani was a friend and adjutant of Ratu Seru Epenisa Cakobau. He converted to Christianity on Good Friday, March 21st 1845.[1] His island of Viwa became a refuge for persecuted Christians.

Varani protected early missionaries such as Reverend John Hunt and Wiliam Lyth in the early 19th century.[1] His protection has been suggested to have aided the spread of Christianity.

Memorials

One of the four houses at the Lelean Memorial School, a Methodist Church of Fiji run school at its Davuilevu compound at Nausori, Fiji, is named after Varani.

References
  1. Qounadovu, Sikeli. "Chiefly island ties of Bau and Viwa". FijiTimes. Retrieved 2023-05-15.
  • Tippett, A.R., 1954, The Christian (Fiji 1835–1867), Auckland Institute and Museum, Auckland
  • GARRETT, John, 1982,th,World Council of Churches in association with the Institute of Pacific Studies of the University of the South Pacific, Geneva/Suva.
  • CABENALEVU, Peni, 1996, ‘Viwa and Ratu Varani/Ko Ratu Ravisa Varani’,in Thornley and Vulaono 1996:73–86.
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