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.
Beloved Fr. Peter, I am so sorry we have lost touch over the years; learning of your illness grieves me deeply. You have been an integral part of my spiritual journey, and have brought many blessings to a multitude of people, especially myself and my family. I get a warm heart remembering our journey from the early days in Grand Junction, TN into Orthodoxy. Thank you for being such an influential part of my life! I thank God for you and your friendship. Grace and Peace, Dale Autrey
We’re praying out here in Alpine, Texas, for Fr. Peter. We’re an OCA mission and your witness is definitely part of the Journey to Orthodoxy for many of us!
Almost anybody who is Orthodox in America today, whether a convert, revert, or cradle owes a debt of gratitude to Fr. Peter Gillquist. Memory Eternal.
Fr. John Filipovich
Fr. Peter, my prayers are with you and your family. I was part of the 2,000 from the EOC that joined the Orthodox Church in 1986. I am now in the Atlanta area going to St. Elias. I am reading your manual “Bringing America to Orthodoxy” because I am involved in starting an Orthodox mission. I’m sure it will help us a lot. I Thank you God for your wisdom and all you have done to promote Evangelism in the Orthodox church. God bless and comfort you.
Father Peter,
Your book, “Becoming Orthodox,” was instrumental in bringing me into the Orthodox faith, starting in 1997. I have met you several times at St. Paul in Brier, Washington, and when you spoke in Snohomish. I’ve also had the pleasure of chatting with your son, Peter Jon, about music several times before he entered the priesthood.
You are in our prayers. Thank you for your dedicated ministry which has impacted thousands of people.
God be with you on your journey.
Fr. Peter,
My words are so inadequate. All I can utter is “thank you.” Your writings and witness helped enter me into the Orthodox faith. By God’s mercy and grace, may the Peace which flows from the Life-Giving Holy Trinity continue to pour out upon you. Keeping you and your family in my feeble prayers.
My family and I are in prayer for Father Peter, to whom we owe more than we can count or understand.
The Lord bless him and his family in this difficult hour.
In my hasty post I neglected to includ Fr. Gordon Walker in The League. I beg his pardon!
When I was a child I was always proud (got me, I’ve sinned) because I knew and had access to the “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen”. Fr. Jack Sparks, Fr. Richard Ballew, Fr. Harold Dunaway, Fr. Jon Braun, and Fr. Peter Gillquist are superheroes. It’s that simple. Fr. Jon is my grandfather so just trust me…I know. But should you doubt it, just look at the stature of Fr. Peter. Think back to any homily he’s ever given and you’ll not be able to show me one that lacks otherworldly wisdom and clarity. His booming voice carrying words to you with such force you almost brace for impact, yet they actually embrace you with a paternal gentility.
This group of men turned away from a path that surely led to wealth and power in the mainstream evangelical circuit so they could instead pick a fight with the leaders of the best-kept-secret in Christianity: The Orthodox Church. Relentlessly they searched. They learned new languages just to crack the code. Eventually they tracked it down and turned a lukewarm welcome into a movement. An Orthodox Church brought out of the shadows for thousands upon thousands of people, even a ragtag group in Isla Vista. A group from backgrounds so diverse that only a universal truth, ethos, and religion could bond them for generations. That is a superhuman feat of awesome awesomeness.
It’s hard to live up to standards set by superheroes. I know I’ll never measure up. But there are others who have taken the flame that Fr. Peter and his League of Extraordinary Gentlemen have lit and they carry it on. And now, generations later (but in time to witness while on this earth!) the fire they lit those many years ago now burns brighter than ever, and continues to grow ever stronger as their message consumes the hearts and minds of so many whom it reaches.
Thank you, Fr. Peter. For providing me direction in eveything from not playing with matches (I’m really glad Fr. Peter Jr. and I didn’t burn down your house that day) to spiritual guidance. It will be a great sorrow to not have you here with us, most of all for your family, but soon the mysteries will be revealed to you. Then you can watch over us in a different way, and it won’t be long before we’re all together again in the next life.
You brought more happiness and peace to this world than a thousand men, it is fitting that you are in a peaceful and comforting place surrounded by family and with all those you’ve touched praying for you. My final wish is for a painless passing, and for God to provide strength to your family in this difficult phase in our path through life.
With all of our love,
Joshua, Dayli, Kalix, Gage, and Zennia Braun
Beautiful message…I was not blessed to meet Fr. Peter in this life, but he is dear to me in my heart for leading me into Orthodoxy through his example and books that he wrote. Your post was a sweet blessing to me.
Thank you, Beth Anne
Thank you for your beautiful comments. We will miss Fr. Peter. Whenever I had an opportunity to hear him speak, I took it. I had the great honor and privilege of meeting both Fr. Peter and and Fr. Gordon. Throughout the years they have taught us all so much and led us into a deeper communion with our Lord and His Church.
Now I will think of Fr. Peter, Fr. Gordon, Fr. Jack Sparks, Fr. Richard Ballew, Fr. Harold Dunaway, and Fr. Jon Braun as the real League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, for so they were. May Father Peter’s memory be eternal!
Dearest Fr. Peter, Marilyn, and all of your dear family members — We are humbled beyond words that you are permitting us to be a part of your final journey together. We are blessed to be able to check in several times a day and view the loving comments sent by so many. How we would love to be by your side, joining in the singng and prayers.
As our minds reflect on our past together and how you were part of our life-changing journey that began nearly 40 years ago, we also remember the sweetness of the days when I would receive dictation from you, Fr. Peter, while you were still in Nashville — before we really even met. It made me feel a part of your ministry. Then, after you moved to Isla Vista — right across the street from us, it was such a joy to have you drop by in the evening to see if Pat was watching a game on TV, that the 2 of you could enjoy together (even if you were cheering on opposite teams).
Our children were in and out of your house with great frequency — especially Lesley (Sr. Ephraimia) with Heidi and then Terri taking Joe under her loving care for several years. Oh, the sweetness of those memories.
Words fail us in conveying our love and deep, deep appreciation of your life and ministry — and continuing through the lives of your children, and their generosity in sharing these final days of your blessed life with all of us.
May the True Peace that passes all human understanding surround you all in these hallowed moments, and we ask once again for your continued prayers on our behalf before the Great Judge, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!
We remain grateful to you all. Lovingly, Pat & Linda
Dear Fr. Peter, Kh. Marilyn, and Gillquist family,
I wanted to take the time to say how much Fr. Peter has meant to me and to St. Peter Antiochian Orthodox Church in Madison, MS over the years. I am so incredibly grateful for his faithful service to the Orthodox Church and for assisting us in our journey to Orthodoxy and our love for Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am deeply touched that he and Kh. Marilyn made the journey to Madison, MS in early May to join us in the 25th anniversary celebration…especially in light of what has transpired since then. I will always treasure those memories.
I know what it is like to watch a dear loved one ailing in health and to feel torn with conflicting emotions. It is so incredibly difficult in such serious circumstances to let go and to trust that the Lord knows what’s best for us far better than we do, and that He will give us what we need when we need it. It’s difficult to feel torn between praying for Fr. Peter’s release from suffering and, at the same time, our desire to have him with us still. God’s timing and ways are sometimes mysterious to us, but everything happens for a reason and some good comes out of every situation – no matter how tough it may seem to be at the present moment. He will not give us more than we can handle, and He will give us the strength and courage to cope with whatever situations may arise.
Y’all are in our thoughts and prayers!
Much Love,
Joanna Meadows Davis
My prayers are with you, Fr. Peter and family. I had the honor of learning from you as a student in the House of Studies, and when you came to the mission parish of St Luke the Evangelist in Solon, OH. Peace.
Dear Fr. Peter and Family,
We just learned of Father Peter’s condition today. HIs book, The Physical Side of Being Spiritual was an important stage in our journey into the Orthodox Church. I’ve often wished I had met and thanked him in person. But as we pray for him today, we’ll make a point of offering up thanksgiving to God for that early book and for all the subsequent books, pamphlets, and other forms of evangelistic service that led so many to the full light of Christ’s truth in Orthodoxy. I trust that it is a comfort to you, his family members–and to him–that you must get a lot of notes like this. In a very real sense, Fr. Peter will be able to say to our Lord, “Here am I and the children God gave me.”
May the peace of Christ be on all of you, and especially you, Fr. Peter.
Brian and Sue McDonald
Dear Fr. Peter and family,
All of the Tillman family is praying for you. We bless God for you and the many kindnesses you have shown us.
Beloved Fr. Peter,
You led us in Alaska from guitars to the Divine Liturgy. We cannot thank you enough for leading us to Orthodoxy with the support of Kh. Marilyn. You and all your family are in our unworthy prayers. May the Lord give you His mercy and encouragement. But keep leading us! We want to be together in the Heavenly Mansions!
Father Peter and Marilyn,
We are praying for you and your family. We’ve enjoyed your visits and joy of life. The Catechism classes you and Father Peter Jon taught were eagerly anticipated highlights of last winter. By degrees and somewhat to our surprise we too are “Becoming Orthodox.” Your work continues.
Dan, Jennifer, Ava and Tristan Rigsby
Fr. Peter Jon and Kh. Kristina and Kh Marilyn….
We are with you in prayer when Fr. Peter wakes up…..!
Grace and love….Mother Galina
You all are in my thoughts and prayers each and every day. Fr. Peter has been such and enrichment in my life and such a blessing to Jennifer Gillquist, my daughter and wife of Greg Gillquist. Fr. Peter is “light”.
Lovingly, Astrid “Teri”
May celebrating & following The Apostles’ way of life today be continued strength to you on the journey through this life in continued witness of His Goodness, Life & Light–way past the sufferings & sorrows, struggles & challenges, and beyond what you could not yourself physically reach.
We stand with you & your family, lighting lights and praying The Lord’s comfort and peace be yours always. This is a gift you deliver repeatedly through your indelible presence, loving & constant big embrace, and all of the encouraging words yet silently repeated when most needed. Asking your continued prayers for us, and your blessing, always
~Margo
Father Peter,
I met you in the late 1970s when you would visit Nashville, TN and I always looked forward to your visits. Later, I would even see you at Thomas Nelson where I did some part-time work and became acquainted with Wendy, your secretary. Since hearing the news of your illness over a week ago, you and your family have been in my prayers many times each day. I am very grateful to Fr. Peter Jon for this website so all of us who love you know what’s going on. It has been such a blessing to read through the comments and see that you have touched so many lives, along with mine. Since reading Father Gordon’s comment that he was on his way to be with you, I have prayed for his safe arrival. If Father Jon Braun is there with you and Father Gordon Walker, that’s a glimpse of heaven in my mind since you are three of the godliest men I’ve ever known. I will continue to pray for you, Kh. Marilyn and your entire family.
Love,
Bertie
St. Ignatius Antiochian Orthodox Church
Franklin, TN
Dear Fr. Peter, Kh. Marilyn and family,
On this Feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, we have such a mixed experience of joy and pain. We rejoice in the Holy Apostles faith and perserverence and success in spite of such testing and torment. We are so blessed by the embrace of our Holy Mother Church of Antioch yet sorrow in her present and upcoming passion in Syria and beyond. We are so thankful for all you two have shared and given us, leading so many of us to the true Faith and the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, yet even if it means following in the footsteps of our Lord and His Apostles in picking up your cross and following Him. We grieve for your current passion and pray for your family that they can be the comfort to you at this time like the Virgin Mary, St. John and the Holy Women Disciples of the Lord, who could not take Jesus off the Cross, but could offer their comforting presence in the midst of all His pain. We pray for all God’s Mercy and Grace for you and your family at this time. We so miss the wonderful times spent in the basement apartment at your home in Goleta, and sharing your wonderful steaks and adding our “two-buck chuck” to the menu! Kh. Marilyn’s soup is still our favorite and shared with all. We love you and are so thankful for the mercy and grace and privilage of having been able to share in your teaching, your hospitality and your very persons. We love you both so much and love all of your family.
You are a great testimony of your faith in action, that has transcended from you through your children in your family right down to your amazing faithful, devout and active Orthodox grandchildren. That in my book is the greatest witness of success. All our continued love and prayers. Christ is Risen! Blessed Feast!
Fr. John, Kh. Christina, Anastasia and Elizabeth Reimann
Fr. John – I cannot tell you how much your words strengthened me, my sister, and my mom during Dad’s last two days on this earth, as we kept vigil at his bedside. Love to your family – WENDY