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.
(we have typed this for Kh. Sylvia Ballew, as she doesn’t have internet, and we print up updates for her)
Fr. Peter, Kh. Marilyn and family,
I have been very blessed & encouraged as the Gillquist family is drawing us all to focus on the Lord Jesus Christ. Love & prayers, Kh. Sylvia Ballew & family
Fr. Peter and family,
At the beginning of my inquiry into the Orthodox Christian faith, I had the thought, “If he’s the director of missions and evangelism for the church, then perhaps he will be the person to advise me on what I should do.” I wrote him a letter introducing myself and telling him my situation. He replied with a note of introduction putting me in touch with a local priest who was a longtime friend of his. The fact that he took me seriously and was willing to give me counsel is a very big part of why I am Orthodox now. Three years later we finally got to meet, and it wasn’t long after that he moved here.
It has been such a blessing to have all of you in our lives. Fr. Peter, you and yours are in my prayers as you are called home, I pray that your transition be peaceful and painless, and I ask that the Barretts continue to be in your prayers as you join your voice to the choirs of the heavenly liturgy. Thank you so much for your witness and your love.
In Christ,
Richard Barrett
Fr. Peter, we love you and are praying for you. Christ is with you and in you, now and ever and unto ages of ages. This, we know.
We pray for your loving family as well.
We and many we know have benefitted so much from your work. We have been blessed to read your writing, meet and hear you, and speak with you, and hear you on AFR as well. It was so good of you to come to speak to and inspire us, last year, during Great Lent, at St. Raph’s mission parish in Chantilly. We love you so much.
May the Lord strengthen your family, and grant you healing, and unending joy in Him.
Dear Fr Peter and family,
I recall the first time we met, Bill Apple, Bob Purefoy and (then) Peter. It was at my home on Paupers Alley. Little did I know the tremendous pleasure that was to follow. You stepped into the midst of a beehive the Charasmatic fever we had. For me that passed in a couple of years. I was always amazed at your tolerence for that and for your leadership, Marilyn doing her part with women’s Bible study and piano at school.
You became my spiritual father at fifteen years my junior and I appreciate all you have done for the many lives you have touched.
You often said “It was love at first sight”, and so it was with me. Our tennis matches, our times exchanged with your family, hauling wood with Trouble sitting in my lap!!. Four year old Terri pushing a lawn mower down to Mrs, Taylor’s house to ask me if I could start it for her and being chief baby sitter for Hiedi. Wendy, was a fairy princess to me; Ginger always on stage HOLLYWOOD! Greg needing a few more bumps than he got; Hiedi a pretty toddler and PJ who was gone to CA at a young age. He was such a fine considerate boy when we visited you in CA.
Thanks for all the lives you have touched and for leading us into OHCAC.
You and each member of your family are treasured in my heart.
Love, Buddy
Dear Buddy,
Seeing your note reminds me of the hospitality you and your dear wife offered Linda and I so we could build our relationship with Fr. Peter and others in the peace of Grand Junction. You too changed our lives.
Father Peter and family, you are all in my prayers. As with many other converts to Orthodoxy, my journey began with Father Peter. He was visiting here in Canada and a coworker invited me to come hear him speak. The joy and whole-heartedness of his faith was so overwhelming, but welcoming and encouraging. I then proceeded to devour his book, “Becoming Orthodox,” and many others, and found a home in the Orthodox Church. If it wasn’t for my trip to hear him speak, I may never have made the friends I made, who then introduced me to my future husband. 🙂 It gives me such joy to raise our daughter in the Orthodox church and I think of my journey to Orthodoxy often, which always includes Father Peter.
Prayers of peace to you, Father Peter.
We met you many years ago ,at Holy Reserection Orthodox Church in Jackson,Ms.during your early journey and again at St George Antiochian Orthodox Church ,Vicksburg,MS .and have followed your journey . May your journey ahead be peaceful and lead the way for us. Vivian and I are in our 80’s and not well please pray for us and hope we meet again. Rest in Peace . We pray for God to lay is healing hand on you so we may have you with us longer.
Dear Fr. Peter & Marilyn,
Praying and thinking of you both and your entire family. God bless and strengthen you all.
In Christ,
Jean Sam
Father Peter,
As so many have already stated, you have touched our lives profoundly. Your Spirit-filled words helped lead us home to the Orthodox Faith, and I am confident that I would not be a Christian today if not for your work, and the testimony of your love & life. Our fervent prayers are with you and your family.
With love in Christ,
Matt + Erin Wells
I recently read your book and it has been very helpful for me on my journey as I am considering / encountering Orthodoxy. I have been in communication with Fr. Frisby in Northwest Indiana and he recommended your book to me along with some others. Thank you for writing your story and for living a life unto the glory of God. My prayers are with you and your family.
Greetings Father Peter,
My Augie and I came to visit you last Friday evening. It was a treat to see your Augie and my Augie get together…dog and bird (who would have thought??). They seemed to get along just fine! I’m sorry you were sleeping at the time, but I was just so glad to see you and to visit with Marilyn and other members of your great family.
Standing with you and your family, you have the power of the fraternity and of the macaws together with the divine power of the Lord. I have said this before, but want to say it again — I can’t tell you how much you have helped me, personally and with and through me as we have had to come to the aid of many undergraduates that needed help in various ways. The power and wisdom you thankfully possess is incredible.
They power of prayers continue to come your way…
In the Bonds,
Fred
Dearast Fr Peter,
All these letters to you and your family are so dear. Your example of living the Christain faith will live on forever in our lives. I wish we could be there to hold your hand and say thank you. At St A recently we watched the video Coming Home and it brought tears to my eyes….you all including Fr Jack and Fr Richard of blessed memory had such faith. Thank you for your example of great faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and His Church. Your are truly going home now and our love and prayers are with you and your family daily. May peace and love be with you as our dear Lord calls you home now with Fr Richard and Fr Jack. In His Abiding Love, Janni
Father Peter,
You have done well. I carry your writings in our bookstore and they are purchased frequently. You have taught thousands much about our Holy Orthodox Church. May our Lord Jesus Christ grant you strength and peace through your faith!
In Christ,
Jerry Takis
Nativity of the Virgin Mary GOC
Plymouth, MI
As I’ve been thinking about you all, a hymn keeps running through my mind. It’s not an Orthodox hymn, but I imagine it will be familiar. Our payers and thought are with your family.
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine. Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.
This is my story; this is my song: Praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story; this is my song: Praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight:
Angels descending bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
This is my story; this is my song: Praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story; this is my song: Praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest:
Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in his love.
This is my story; this is my song: Praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story; this is my song: Praising my Savior all the day long.
Dearest Father Peter, Kh Marilyn and family,
We have come to our computer daily wanting to write to you. We have found ourselves at a loss for words. Our hearts ache that you are sick. We pray for a miracle and yet the miracle for us was when your family moved to Bloomington. You have been such a wonderful model for us and our children-loving and gracious and a true father figure to us all. We love you and will continue to pray.
Praise God in all his wisdom!
The Alexander family
Fr. Peter and family,
The weekend you and Kh. Marilyn moved to Bloomington, I remember seeing you at coffee hour and thinking, “Oh, wow! That’s the ‘Becoming Orthodox’ guy! But there’s no way he’d be interested in talking with me…” I am pleased to say how wrong I was. So wrong, in fact, that either that week or the next you made time to join the table of the Career/Newly Weds and really get to know us. Your interest was that we use our gifts and talents to serve Christ and His Church. I have continued to be blessed these three years by the hospitality that you and Kh. Marilyn so freely offer in addition to your prayers.
It is a blessing to read some of the above comments and get a sense of the wonderful life God has given you. May these last days be filled with “the Peace that passes all understanding.” Whenever you are called Home, I will greatly miss you and the loving guidance you give to our All Saints community. Until that time, it is an honor to pray for you and your family.
In Christ’s Love,
Laura
Dearest Fr Peter, Kh Marilyn and family,
We are praying for your peaceful journey, knowing you are leading the way for us as you have for so many years. We remember the encouraging homilies and teachings where you used analogies of sports, teamwork and coaching. Not being sports fans ourselves, the references didn’t always reach us, but we knew for sure we wanted to be on YOUR team, following Christ. Thank you for your big, warm loving presence in our lives. May our heavenly Father comfort us all as and keep our eyes on the narrow path.
Loving prayers for all your wonderful family,
Harold and Barbara
Dear Godmother and Father Peter,
I am praying for you. The love between you two is such an example for me! I love you both! May God comfort you and keep you in the palm of his right hand.
Love,
Anastasia Trenham
Praying for you and your family, Father Peter.
Several years ago you spoke in our parish in Eugene, Oregon. We were disillusioned protestants checking out Orthodoxy, and my husband asked a question after your talk. Later you inquired as to who we were and said you’d like to come talk with us. You sat in our home and answered many of our questions, sharing your love and life with us for a few hours. Today we have been Orthodox for over four years. Thank you for seeking us out that day!
So glad you are surrounded by your family, the angels, and the saints. May God grant you peace and rest.
Elias (Erik) and Rebeca
Dear Fr. Peter
You continue to work. I have never been very vigilent in my prayers. Since I have found this site I am reminded to say my prayers twice a day. Thank you Fr. Peter for your love of God, and your witness. May St. Peter welcome you with open arms. May the Holy Spirit keep your family safe in his arms as they go through this time of stress. God Bless.
Thank you, Father Peter for traveling to Madison, MS in May, for the insiring message you delivered there at St Peter’s, and for signing my Orthodox Study Bible. Being new to Orthodoxy, I know enough about the history of Orthodoxy in America to know that your leadership in the 70’s and 80’s has greaty influenced the growth of the Church. And I thank God for your life.
Paula Sartor