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.
For over 40 years we have listened to your words of spiritual direction and encouragement. We started on reel to reel tapes then cassettes and finally moved on to the internet. Best of all were those in person. The echo of those talks continues to reverberate direction and encouragement in our minds and hearts. Thank you for your time and energy given to build the churches we so often take for granted. Your sacrifices were deep and affected all of your family. We thank God for the Grace he has given you through all of this. Your entire life and that of your faithful family has been a living example of the race God gives us to run. Our prayers go out to God that your frequent encouragement to persevere until God gives the “second wind” will be yours as you crest the last hill and see the face of the One waiting at the finish line for you.
Love in our Risen Lord
Dn James and Corinne Elliott
An eager, hopeful, heavy bright sadness. Heartbreak that is the natural consequence of an enormous, shared human love in this fallen world. The urge to curl fingers over the horizon, pry it back, and pin it beneath this great champion. What great admiration and gratitute we all share for this precious man of God and the queen of his life.
On the great Feast of Ss. Peter and Paul, and as we look toward the Feast of the Synaxis of the Apostles tomorrow, let us continue to pray “in one accord” for mercy, peace, health, salvation, pardon and forgiveness of sins for Fr. Peter Edward, that he will be found blameless before the Judgement Seat of our Merciful Lord, and that he will, even now, be granted a foretaste of the Paradise that awaits all those who surrender fully to the call of Christ Jesus on their lives.
The infectious humor, witty encouragement, emboldened preaching, accessible narratives, expert advice, and tremendous spirit of affection and generosity we hold so dear in our memories of time spent with this enlisted soldier are trumped by his unapologetic devotion to speaking the Truth that is Christ with the Love that is Christ. This is a legacy we are each compelled to honor in imitation of God’s priest who has already lived, and will soon live most fully, in obedience to the One Who loved us and gave Himself for us.
May Christ our True God, through the intercessions of His Most Holy Mother and all the saints, especially the Holy Apostles whose memories we celebrate today, receive into His Kingdom the soul of His servant, the Archpriest Peter Edward, in a place where there is no sorrow or sighing, but Life Everlasting.
Thank God that “The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us.” May we pick up intercessory steam and pray like an army, brothers and sisters.
Yours in the very Destroyer of the Grave,
Kh. Kristina Gillquist
Love this Kh. K!!!!
Father Peter and Marilyn,
Blessed Feast of Saints PETER and Paul! As I think of Father Peter going home to Jesus, I picture him playing a guitar and singing, “Jesus, I hear you’ve got a big house, where I can have a room of my own….” And I picture you baptizing Father Basil outdoors in the Ross Barnett Reservoir in Jackson, Mississippi on a chilly March day back in the 1970s. I remember arguing with you over silly things like collars and cassocks. And I remember the joy of serving (briefly) with you on the board of AGAIN Magazine in its early years. Father Basil remembers meeting you at Jack and Kelly Oates’ house in Oxford (Mississippi) in 1969 and listening to you talk about looking for the first century church. Little did he know that just a few years later we would join you in that journey. Thank you for your labors in helping the churches in Jackson and Memphis find our home in Orthodoxy. Father Basil loved seeing you and Marilyn in Jackson a few weeks ago for St. Peter’s 25th anniversary. Please ask Jesus to save a room for us. We love you.
Father Basil and Susan Cushman
St. John, Memphis
Father and Family,
My wife and I are inquirers with Orthodox Church. The seed was planted in me several years ago after I read Becoming Orthodox. We have joined so many churches over the years. We think we have found our home in an Orthodox Church in Greensburg, PA. Our prayers are with you and your family. I know from my experience not to place hope in individuals, but I truly believe God placed your book in our lives. Thank you so much for your life in the Orthodox Church.
Fr. Peter, how awesome it is to read these posts. How fortunate are we who were blessed to be taught by you. Lives were changed – and will continue to be changed -because of your powerful witness. Thank you. May God bless and comfort you and your family.
Maryalice Cook
Dear Father Peter and Kh. Marilyn,
It has been a great blessing for us to become acquanited with you over the last few years and an honor to welcome you in our home. We deeply appreciate the sacrifices you made to go before us and make a path for us to follow to the Orthodox Church. Thank you for your friendship. Our prayers are with you and your family. May God give us the grace to follow in your footsteps and be found faithful.
Tom & Sylvia Singleton
Thank you for your prayers.
God bless you, Fr. Peter. My wife and I have pleasant memories from meeting you at O’Hare in the late 80s and folding you into our tiny two-door stick-shift late-70s Toyota Corolla 🙂 You were such a good sport, and so kind to us.
Dear Fr. Peter & Mainilyn,
We are praying for you all. We have always been thankful for you and praying for you and will never stop praying for you. There have been many god-sends like you folks sent into our lives. Fr. Peter, you rank way up there with us. You are one of the very best friends we ever had in all the years of our Christian struggle and pilgrimage. I can never forget how you personally sought me out as a friend and blessed us both with your love clear back from 1967 at Blue Jay with Fr. Jon & Maryellen. You were and are one of the best encouragements I ever had in what time we ever had together. Thank you so much. Love and prayers for you and yours always. Harvey & Linda Gish
May the Lord keep you in His divine grace. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Fr. Peter, Kh. Marilyn, and Family,
Please take comfort in knowing that our Lord Jesus Christ is with you always as are our prayers that He give you and your family strength and peace of soul at this time. Your friendship and guidance have meant a great deal to us, and we, and many others who have met you here in Cedar Rapids, IA, think of you fondly. You have touched so many lives and we are forever grateful to our most gracious Lord for giving us the opportunity to know you and learn from you. May God bless you. your family, and all those whom you have touched and brought to the faith.
With love in Christ,
Fr. Elias and Kh. Irene Khouri
Father Peter,
You and your entire family are in my prayers and in the prayers of our
parish. My friend and brother in the faith, Father Daniel of Evansville, IN told me of your struggles and current condition. Thank you for being an encouragement to us, and the faithful of the Church of our Lord and Savior.
Jesus Christ IS the Victor over sin, death, and the grave. His grace is
truly sufficient, for you and your family and us all, as we walk in faith towards
the light and joy of heaven.
Truly, He grants us His resurrection victory by His word of promise- through
the power of the Holy Spirit. Father Peter, may the power and presence and peace of the Lord Jesus be with you and your loved ones at this time!
In the love of our Thrice Holy God,
Rev. Christopher Cole
Redeemer Lutheran Church and School
Pensacola, FL
1 Corinthians 15:57-58 (NKJV) “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
May the Lord God comfort you and protect you in these trying times! Fr Peter was worthy of his name; may the holy Apostle Peter embrace him in God’s time. May all of us who have come to know and love Fr Peter be reminded to uphold him in our prayers!
Even though I have never met Fr. Peter, he was very instrumental in my conversion to Orthodoxy in 1995. I bought many of his teaching tapes, books, and booklets on Orthodoxy back in the 1990s.. I remember his little booklet entitled Finishing the Race, which seems very appropriate now. Fr. Peter can echo what the Apostle Paul stated when he said, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race.” Fr. Peter will always have a very special place in my heart and in my prayers. I will most definitely pray for Fr. Peter at this time, as well as his family. You have been blessed to have a wonderful man of God in your family!
We all will miss you but, we will surely meet again. Pray for us when your in His presents and we will pray for you as well.
Dear Fr. Peter,
St. Vincent of Lerins says that all the Christian life is readying for death; thank you for teaching us throughout your life, but also in this your time of intense preparation. Your work spreading the Gospel will continue to bear fruit long after you have gone to your rest. Pray for our family as we pray for you.
Love in Christ,
Lucas, Stacey, Theodore and Genevieve Christensen
Dear Fr. Peter and Kh. Marilyn,
Like so many who have posted above, we are offering prayers on your behalf and asking God, who never fails us, to reach His strong right arm out with comfort and joy for you. Truly, your ministry has been a ministry of love.
In our Risen Lord,
Fr. Gregory and Mka. Alexandra Safchuk
Fr. Peter and Kh. Marilyn,
I am driving up with God’s grace and protection this afternoon and evening to be with you. My heart is heavy for you. May God grant Fr. Peter strength and relief from pain and a joyous entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Much Love in Christ,
Fr. Gordon and Kh. Mary Sue
Dear Father Peter,
Please know that you and all your family are in my prayers and those of my parish, that through the intercession of the Theotokos, Joy of All Who Sorrow, your pain and burdens may be lightened.
Having read through many of the posts one realizes how difficult it is to say thank you and good bye. Words truly lack in the depth of our appreciation for all that you have done, dear and faithful servant. You were such a strong testimony to me during the Campus Crusade days along with now Fr. Jon and Fr. Richard of blessed memory. Who knew that I would be so fortunate to continue following in your footsteps. You have been a great example of doing the will of God and using your amazing gifts. Your booming voice and encouragement will be missed but your works will live on in the myriad lives you have touched. Our prayers are for you and your family that God may be glorified and you may all have great strength during this journey. Tom and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Until we meet again.
Love, Maye
Maye…. are you referring to Fr. Jon Braun? he is still with us. ;o)