The servant of God Fr. Peter E. Gillquist departed this life at 9:20 p.m. on July 1, 2012, surrounded by family. He has finished the race. Memory eternal!
July 7, 2012
Last evening ended three days of services culminating in Fr. Peter’s burial at All Saints Orthodox Cemetery in Bloomington, IN. His Grace Bp. Anthony, who presided at the funeral service, delivered an inspiring, engaging and memorable eulogy. Fr. Gordon Walker preached a truly evangelistic homily at the preceding Divine Liturgy. The Audio for both, as well as Fr. Jon Braun’s tribute, can be found at Ancient Faith Radio (http://ancientfaith.com/specials/fr._peter_gillquist_memorial). Below you will see the tri-fold sunbeams caught on film by one of the faithful at the funeral service.
We will post more photos as they become available.
We are moved by your outpouring of love. Thank you for your kind words and sincere prayers!
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In lieu of flowers it is requested that memorial donations be made payable to All Saints Church (6004 So. Fairfax Rd, Bloomington, IN 47401). Funds will be split between the building funds of All Saints Church, Bloomington, Indiana, and St. Athanasius Church, Santa Barbara, California — Fr. Peter’s two “home parishes.”
Schedule of Services for Fr. Peter E. Gillquist – July 4-6, 2012
Wednesday, July 4
6:00 p.m. Public Visitation at All Saints in Bloomington
7:00 p.m. Trisagion Service
*All Night Vigil to Follow* (Reading of the Psalter)
Thursday, July 5
9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy in Bloomington (Followed by transport to Carmel, IN)
5:00 p.m. Public Visitation at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (3500 W 106th St. Carmel, IN)
7:00 p.m. Trisagion Service
*All Night Vigil to Follow* (Reading of the Psalter)
Friday, July 6
9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy (His Grace Bishop Anthony Presiding)
11:00 a.m. Funeral Service followed by Mercy Meal at Holy Trinity GOC
3:30 p.m. Burial Service at All Saints Cemetery in Bloomington
Accommodations near Holy Trinity Church, Indianapolis/Carmel
The following hotels currently have rooms available for Thursday night, July 5.
Jamieson Inn
10201 N. Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46280
(317) 816-1616
Mention “$69 funeral rate”
Courtyard Marriott
10290 N. Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46290
(317) 571-1110
Mention “Fr. Peter Gillquist” to get special $79 rate
Embassy Suites Indianapolis – North
3912 Vincennes Rd.
Indianapolis, IN 46268
(317) 872-7700
$119 king room
$139 two queen beds
Drury Hotel
9310 N. Michigan Road
Indianapolis, IN 46268
(317) 876-9777
$87 for King or double
June 10, 2012
In 1999, Fr. Peter E. Gillquist (retired and attached to All Saints) was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma. Miraculously, he survived through the grace of God, the prayers of the saints, and the care of physicians. His prayer was to be given more time to assist in starting more mission churches, and to grow old with his wife, Khouria Marilyn.
Now, 13 years later, he has again been diagnosed with melanoma — only now stage 4. We are awaiting further word on a prognosis and possible treatment options. Scroll down to see any updates posted on this page. God bless you.
***For Immediate Release***
June 14, 2012…
The Very Rev. Fr. Peter E. Gillquist has been diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic melanoma. Fr. Peter survived a diagnosis of stage 3 melanoma in 1999 and another bout in 2010. He, Kh. Marilyn, and family await test results to determine treatment options in the management of this aggressive cancer.
The Gillquists request your prayers as they continue a lifelong journey of faith in the Great Physician, remembering that our communal prayer is for the healing of soul and body, and in the Lord’s time, a Christian ending to life, that is painless, blameless and peaceful.
Fr. Peter retired from 25 years of service to the Antiochian Archdiocese as Director of the Department of Missions and Evangelism in January. He is attached to All Saints Antiochian Orthodox Church in Bloomington, Indiana, where his son, Fr. Peter Jon, serves as pastor.
June 19, 2012
Fr. Peter is in the hospital tonight with a fever. His physician felt it would be the best place for him to receive care as the doctors search for a possible infection causing this elevated temperature. Thank you for your continued prayers.
June 20, 2012
Fr. Peter is still in the hospital. During tests early this morning to determine the cause of his fever, it was discovered that his cancer is moving even more quickly than anticipated, and has spread to some of his vital organs. Fr. Peter’s children are travelling now to be with him and Kh. Marilyn. Your prayers for their safe travel, and for Fr. Peter and Kh. Marilyn’s continued peace during this time of illness are appreciated.
June 22, 2012
Our family shared a special time in the hospital room with Fr. Peter this morning, reading aloud your kind words of encouragement which have been posted on this site. Thank you for your continued prayerful support.
June 24, 2012
Fr. Peter is still in the hospital, surrounded by his wife, children, and a grandchild who is carrying his first great-grandchild. More family will be en route to Bloomington throughout the week.
We discovered today that reading your posts is not only encouraging to Fr. Peter, but also a helpful diversion from his physical pain.
As will happen, it seems there is some mis-information being circulated on the internet regarding Fr. Peter’s condition. Please always refer to this site for up-to-date and accurate information from those at his bedside.
June 25, 2012
We have been anticipating test results regarding possible treatment options, and today we received news that no cancer treatment would be of positive effect in Fr. Peter’s case. Therefore, the emphasis of his care is on pain management and prayer, so we are working on both. Fr. Peter, Kh. Marilyn, and their children are strengthened through your prayers.
June 27. 2012
Fr. Peter is sleeping more and more each day. He will be transferred to a hospice facility this afternoon, where his family will continue to participate in his care and comfort management, together with a 24-hour nursing staff. Your continued prayers for a peaceful journey are appreciated more than you know.
June 29, 2012 – The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul
Blessed feast day, dad. Fr. Peter has been in a hospice facility since Wednesday afternoon. When our family first heard about a hospice house, we were unsure what to expect. What we have found has been a blessing beyond what we can express: a large living room with couches and a kitchenette, a smaller, intimate sitting room, a chapel, a sizible outdoor deck, and eight large bedrooms, most of which look out into the woods. Currently, only half of the rooms are occupied by patients. At the foot of Fr. Peter’s bed is a four foot wooden shelf, which holds icons of Christ, the Theotokos, St. Peter the Apostle, St. Nectarios, and many of the holy unmercinaries. Vigil lamps burn around the clock, and at least one family member is with Fr. Peter at all times.
Presently, Fr. Peter sleeps most of the day. When he is awake, he asks for prayer. The family gathers to pray and sing, and he sings with us. These are the things we will remember all our lives.
The prayers you offer and the words you post here are such a source of encouragement to all of us. Thank you for your love and support as we continue this journey together.
July 1, 2012 – Saints Cosmos and Damian
These are holy days. God is so merciful, loving, and compassionate.
After the Liturgy of Ss. Peter and Paul Thursday night, Fr. Peter asked for prayer at the Hospice House. Fr. Peter Jon arrived around 10 p.m. and asked, “Dad, would you like to receive communion tonight or tomorrow?” Fr. Peter stated clearly that he would like communion right away, so we began to pray and sing. Although it was becoming increasingly difficult for him to speak in complete sentences, Fr. Peter recited all the prayers by heart and sang perfect harmony with the communion hymns. Then he went to sleep. That is the last food he has consumed — the Bread of Life, and thr Fountain of Immortality.
Fr. Peter didn’t awaken again until the following evening at 9:00 p.m. (Friday), when the wheels of Fr. Gordon Walker’s car hit the driveway. Fr. Gordon had driven six hours to be with his friend of 50 years in his time of need. They talked a while, smiled a lot, and then Fr. Peter went back to sleep following evening prayers.
The following morning (Saturday), we all gathered in Fr. Peter’s room for morning prayers, as he slept. Around 3:00 p.m., Fr. Peter awoke and asked if Fr. Gordon would hear his confession, which he did. Then a call was placed to Fr. Jon Braun, and the three old friends shared a few minutes together, talking about heaven. Then Fr. Peter fell asleep again.
Since that time, his vitals have changed dramatically, and he appears to be making the final sprint for the finish line. “Finish the race” is what his family members whisper in his ear. We are gathered by his bedside in prayer, Scripture-reading, and song. Finish the race, dad. We love you so much.
July 1, 2012
The servant of God Fr. Peter E. Gillquist departed this life at 9:20 p.m. surrounded by family. He has finished the race. Memory eternal!
“Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!”
Funeral arrangements will post tomorrow morning.
Dear Fr. Peter,
Given your technophobia, I’ve resisted the temptation to add a comment here. Without me with you, who would print out all these messages for you? 8>) But I’m told that your ever-faithful wife and family are there reading to you, so I figured, what the hey.
Thank God for the great blessing you have been to me these past 26 years…..26 years this month, in fact. Especially thank you for the Church you invited me to join at Bridgeman’s ice cream parlor (no, not a frozen dessert cult), the theological school you encouraged me to attend in Santa Barbara (after 23 years, I’m kind of thinking it wasn’t such a bad move), and for the ministry you called me to perform at Ming Dynasty (no, not as the Kung Pao Preacher). You’ve been the key influence at arguably the three most critical decision points in my life. No wonder I’ve thought of you as more than just a priest and boss, but a father.
I’ve still got more life-changing decisions coming up, and since I seem to have a pretty good track record with you, I’d kind of like to have you around for those. I know you are looking forward to cashing in on that “retirement plan that’s out of this world”, and you’ve earned it many times over, but I for one believe there is much left here that you could accomplish, and we still sure could use your help. If it be His will, may the Lord heal you and restore you to full health and vigor. May it be, in keeping with the central goal of your life, to the glory of God.
The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you and be merciful to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace…
…and may He stretch forth His healing hand upon you. To the glory of God the Father.
Love,
Lange
Dear Father Peter,
Happy Name Day! I just lit a candle for you…many blessings!
Ann
Dear Fr. Peter and family,
Blessed name day! You were remembered in the Divine Liturgy this morning, and continually in our hearts and prayers.
With love in Christ,
Fr. David Wey
Fr. Peter and Family,
I had the wonderful opportunity of spending a day with you in Alexandria, VA some twenty years ago. You had invited a group of protestant and other pastors interested in exploring the Orthodox faith and I was one of those who attended. I am a pastor in Baltimore, MD and while not an Orthodox convert, so much of what you opened my eyes to that day and through your writing and correspondence has aided in my own spiritual formation. Our prayers are with you for God’s comfort and healing, whether in this world or that more perfect healing in the world to come.
God Bless,
Pastor Jeff Tomlinson
Church of God at Dundalk
Baltimore, Maryland
Dear Father Peter,
Many, many years ago, in gratitude for your journey into & faithful presence within Christ’s holy Church, I painted an icon for you of our Savior. Every time our paths crossed you reminded me of that gift strategically placed within your home. Today I want to express the same gratitude & wish that accompanied this gift, that you continue to become in likeness the image of Christ. Foremost as his priest and whole man, be filled with the Holy Spirit, and continue to remember us before Our Father in heaven. “On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and proclaimed, “If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink. ‘Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.'”
With love & remembrance,
John Lickwar
Dear Father Peter!
Wishing you a blessed name day on this feast of Sts. Peter and Paul!
Love always,
Stephanie Theodora
Father Peter and Marilyn–
I barely know you, and yet I feel as though I know you very well. Your willingness to share yourselves has touched my family. I see you and Marilyn sitting in Liturgy–you in your straight chair with Christian beside you. When he would get a little too “jiggly” you would reach over and squeeze his shoulder along with a stern (?) look. Priceless.
Thank you for what you have done for all of us–Martha Dooley
Fr. Peter,
Thank you for going ahead of us, for being a pioneer for many of us in the Evangelical world who would never have thought of becoming Orthodox. I will remember your friendship and your concern for the people of Hawaii.
Aloha and Mahalo,
Robert Irenaeus
Dear Father Peter & Family,
Of course I pray for your healing and comfort and at the same time I want to thank you for always being so kind to me and setting such a positive example in drawing me nearer to Christ.
Peace and Love to you,
Craig Shallanberger
Dear Father Peter,
I never heard you speak or read your writings without being encouraged and inspired. Thank you for living a life of obedience to Him and for being such a blessing to the Orthodox Church.
Love and prayers,
Fran Presley
Texarkana, Texas
Fr Peter, I first met you shortly after you were received into Orthodoxy. You were so new that you didn’t know what to do when I asked you for your blessing. The search you led for the original Church, and the mass conversions which resulted, will forever be a milestone in the history of Orthodoxy on this continent. your example, yours preaching, and your books have helped lead many back to the Orthodox Church.
Dear Fr. Peter, Kh. Marilyn and Family,
It is overwhelming to read all of these beautiful messages to you at this difficult time. May it be a great joy to all of you to know how many lives you have touched and will continue to do so by your example and writings.
We were members of St. Stephen the Protomartyr Orthodox Church in NJ when your precious daughter-in-law, Kristina was a little girl. Through her wonderful family, we have come to know you and admire you so much.
Currently we attend St. Michael the Archangel in Louisville, KY, where Fr. Alexis Kouri and our parish family remember you in prayer.
May all of the countless prayers to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, His Holy Mother, the Saints and the Holy Angels give you and yours peace and comfort at this time.
With Love in Christ,
Jennie and Richard
Dear Fr. Peter,
All Saints Church has been a lifeline during my month-long stay in Bloomington – and even this is such a small part of the great legacy the Lord has built through you and your family! “Becoming Orthodox” was influential to both myself and my husband on our own journey to the church. I only wish we could have told you in person how indebted we are to you for sharing your story.
Gratefully yours,
Sarah (and Keith) Parker
Our thoughts and prayers up here at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Fort Wayne are with you. May the Lord have mercy!
Dear Fr. Peter, Kh. Marilyn and Family,
Our family was blessed and privileged to be in attendance when Fr. Peter celebrated the Divine Liturgy in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah in 1989. We offer prayers for comfort and thanksgiving for Fr. Peter’s life and dedication to the Holy Orthodox Faith.
In Christ,
Rebecca and Mike
You hopefully know the extent of your reach for the kingdom of God. Our prayers are with you. You showed me, and my family, Christ, and for that we will be ever grateful and thankful to God. I will be ordained a priest on August 6. I would greatly cherish your prayers – rest assured of our prayers for you.
Dn. Marty Watt
St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Seminary
St. Paul Orthodox Church, Dayton, Ohio
St. John the Evangelist Orthodox Church, Memphis, Tennessee
Beloved Fr. Peter, Kh. Marilyn and family,
I first “met” you through the pages of a little book titled, “Love Is Now”, while spending several months of work and study at Grace Haven. In your beautifully articulate and down to earth style you helped reintroduce our Lord to me, which changed my life.
Then, as young newlyweds, while Dn. Richard attended St. Athanasius Academy, we had the good fortune of being placed in your home church. What a privilege it was to meet in your home weekly, to learn the meaning of Godliness in marriage and family, by observing you and Marilyn and your precious family, walking out the Gospel.
Most importantly, I am forever grateful for your part in leading us home, to our beloved, Holy Orthodox Church. Where would we be without your steadfast efforts to lead us home to her? I remember, on the glorious day of our Chrismation, here at St. Ignatius, I had the most profound feeling, that I had just washed up on shore, after having been lost at sea for all of my life. Home at last, with the rock solid foundation of the Church under me. This too, changed my life and I am so grateful for your hand in that.
Beloved Kh. Marilyn and Precious Family,
Thank you for the countless sacrifices you made as you made this journey with Fr. Peter. Thank you for sharing him with us, and for allowing him to Father so many. we are deeply indebted to you as well.
You will all remain in our prayers.
With great love,
Dn. Richard and Sh. Lisa Jones
Dearest Fr.Peter
I am thinking of you daily,and wanted you to know how much I love you.You have touched so many lives with yours,and have been a blessing to my family.I will continue to pray for God’s will in your life and please give my love to Marilyn.
With much fondness,Chris Haskin Sommer
Dearest Gillquist Family….
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to you all for the sacrifices and time and love that your whole family showed to so many others in the ministry that Fr. Peter was involved in. God gifted you with fortitude, humor, and hospitality and blessed all of us. Thank you for being willing vessels of God’s grace for us.
Good strength as you continue with this blessed and difficult part of your journey together. Our prayers are with you. We will ask for Victor’s intercessions for you.
Much love in Christ,
Michael & Maria Smith
Dearest Fr. Peter & family, blessings to you! I was just made aware of this website and wanted to jot a quick note to ya’ll… Know of course that you are all in our prayers here in Ellensburg, Wa. at the Prophet Elijah Mission! I am grateful to God that I have been privileged to have labored in the Kingdom with you these past almost 40 years. It has been a rich history together, and will continue to be, by the Grace and Mercy of God! Your love of Missionary work has always been an inspiration to me, and as I labor now here in Ellensburg, and also on the campus of CWU, I remember fondly your friendliness & forthrightness to one and all, but most especially your fearless love of our Master Christ! May the Physician of all give you great strength and comfort, and know that my heart is filled with love and affection for you and your whole family! With much love in our Master Christ, and many prayers, Fr. Paul+