Memorial to Fr Dr Biji - Worthing Hospital - 30.05.20 - Sir Peter Bottomley MP
September 16, 2020
Over the weekend, I was grateful for the opportunity to pay my respects to Fr Dr Biji, a Jacobite Syrian Orthodox priest who had recently begun working as a chaplain at Worthing Hospital and passed away over recent weeks.
He worked across all communities to support and care for those going through some of the hardest moments of their life. He did this in spite of obvious fears of covid-19. He worked tirelessly to meet the spiritual and religious needs of patients, their loved ones and all of us across Worthing and West Sussex.
I shared a video message with the telecast funeral, shared across the world to the thousands touched by his words and spiritual support.
Many had loving words for the work of Fr Dr Biji. Idris Nawab, Imam of Worthing Mosque and Muslim Chaplain of Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals, said:
'I was fortunate enough to work with him to arrange a Muslim funeral and he genuinely went out of his way to make sure it took place speedily in accordance with the guidance of our faith. He came across as a true gentleman of noble character. I know he was well-loved by all who work at the chaplaincy team. My sincere condolences go out to them as well as of course to his wife and children.'
Dame Marianne Griffiths, Chief Executive of Western Sussex Hospitals, said:
'He was an enormously wonderful person. For that, that is a great loss and a huge loss for his family. We don't have to look far to see what an impact he has made in his life. I know his family will continue with his legacy in terms of making a difference in every way that they can.'
While we clap hands and beat pots and pans for doctors and nurses, let us not forget the hospital chaplains of all faiths. They give so much in support of those facing challenges, both emotionally and physically.