Memory Eternal Fr. Peter E.

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!

The body of Archpriest Peter E. Gillquist lying in state at All Saints' Orthodox Church, Bloomington, Indiana, the day before his burial. By User:Vmenkov - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20159659
The body of Archpriest Peter E. Gillquist lying in state at All Saints’ Orthodox Church, Bloomington, Indiana, the day before his burial. By User:Vmenkov – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20159659

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.

731 thoughts on “Memory Eternal Fr. Peter E.

  1. Dear Fr. Peter and Family,

    I hope you know how much we all love you. It’s no exageration to say that would probably never have found the Ancient Faith if not for you and your work for the Kingdom.

    Diane just reminded me of the late night Trivial Pursuit competitions we had with my mother and you, back in the days when Holy Resurrection was in worshipping in Gary, Indiana. My mother left these Shadowlands back in May of 2010. I freely admit that I’m much too wordly and ignorant to know what actually “happens” in Paradise… but if there are any Trivial Pursuit games going on, I’d bet my mother has saved a spot for you on her team. Okay… I know, I know. Trivial Pursuit boardgames are about as trivial as it gets, when compared to timeless, endless worship of our Holy God. But I just couldn’t help but wonder.

    I want you to know that the late night talks I shared with you, Fr. Gordan, Fr. Weldon, Fr. Richard, Fr. Jon and Fr. Jack… sustained me these many years. The early 80’s almost feels like yesterday as I sit back and ponder.

    Well… as usual, I’m babbling. I really don’t know what to say other than you’ve been a hero and a friend and a light in the darkness.

    I regret so deeply that Diane and I, along with Allison (who loved bouncing on your knee and singing) Michelle and Seth (who called one night from Alaska to tell me he just “met this guy who knew Johnny Cash”) and my five grandchildren never made the short drive down to Bloomington to worship with you, Fr. Peter Jon, and your wonderful family. We talked about it… but never pulled the trigger. From now on, I’m going to do my best to act more, and talk less. Now THERE’S a challenge.

    Please pray for all of us and know that Holy Resurrection will be praying for you.

    This last part may seem silly. I have no idea if you can even actually listen to music, but here is a link to Allison (or Ali, as you always called her) singing a silly little cover song, which she sang for Michelle’s wedding reception, years ago. And after that is an AMAZING recording of a dear friend of our family singing a CeCe Winans song, called Alibaster Box. I think you’ll find meaning in both.

    http://www.mitchbright.com/music/thewayiam.mp3

    http://www.mitchbright.com/music/alibaster-box.mp3

    In Jesus Christ our Risen Lord,
    Mitch, a sinner

    Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church – Hobart, Indiana

  2. Dear Fr. Peter,
    ” I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy.” Philipians 1:3.

  3. Our prayers are with your entire family as the candle burns on our home altar for you all. May Fr. Peter’s final journey be peaceful. We love you so much and are so thankful to Fr. Peter Jon for allowing all of us to be a part of this journey through the parish website!
    With bright sadness,
    Jill Mary and family

  4. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I know you have been encouraged by all the responses and shared memories and we are pleased to be able to tell you that we also have our wonderful, personal memories of him. His ministry has been and will continue to be far-reaching. May light perpetual shine on you all.

  5. Fr. Peter, Marilyn and Family
    My prayers as well as the whole church are with you. Thank you for setting the example for all of us to follow. You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race. You will remain in my heart and prayers forever. Thank you Marilyn for sharing all of this. With great Love Duane

  6. Dear Fr. Peter and Pres. Marilyn,

    We are very thankful to God for the blessing of our friendship and the influence you have had in our lives. Your love for God has inspired us in our own journey. We have been influenced by how you have allowed God to use you for His Kingdom and for His glory. Thank you for being faithful servants of the Almighty God. We are with you through prayer in these hard yet beautiful days. We pray for a Christian ending of your life Fr. Peter painless, blameless and peaceful. It is a great blessing to accompany a loved one to the gates of heaven. Thank you to your family who are blessing us by allowing us to be part of this journey through this network.

    Fr. Peter we love you very much! You will be dearly missed.

    With love in Christ,
    Nathan and Gabriela Hoppe

  7. I’ve known Father Peter since our Campus Crusade days, beginning in 1964. He’s one of the best men I’ve ever known, and I’m proud to have been his friend—Jack Watts

  8. Dear Gillquist Family,
    Although I know it must be difficult, thank you so much for sharing these intimate moments with all of us. In a way, it could possibly be helping you to commit these experiences to the written word. But, nevertheless, allowing all of us to be a part of Fr. Peter’s last days is a very big blessing for those of us, who cannot be with him and you. He and all of you are in our prayers for our merciful Lord to help and comfort.
    With so much love,
    Damon and Carol Halkias
    (Who first met you when you were “Bishop” Peter and had come to visit Bishop Maximos in Pittsburgh)

  9. Dear Father Peter,
    We read watched you in a video and later read your book. God led us joyfully into the Orthodox Church as a family 2 years ago at St George Orthodox Church Portland OR. Thank you for paving a way for us all to come into the fullness of the faith. Our prayers and love are with you and your family.
    In love,
    The Buckley Family
    Portland OR

  10. Abouna Peter.
    The online community of the Byzantine Forum, Eastern & Oriental Catholics and Orthodox, as well as Latins and Protestants with a profound love of the East, have closely followed your journey as you prepare to serve at the Holy Table of Heaven. You are and will remain in our prayers, both that the Lord Who is All-Merciful and the Lover of Mankind, leads you to a place where there is neither weeping nor sighing, but only life everlasting, and that the Holy Theotokos envelop Khouria Marilyn and all of your family in her Mantle of Protection.

  11. Fr. Peter Jon & Family,

    Prayers are with you and especially with Fr. Peter. I count him as a dear friend and I thank God for the blessing of knowing him.

    +fr.andrew

  12. Dear Fr. Peter and family,

    Our prayers are with you all. Fr. Peter, thank you for sharing your life and faith with my husband, Gary. He sought the true Faith because of your encouragement so now, you share in his ministry at Penn State. God be with you and your family.

    Love and prayers,

    Karen Cattell

  13. Dearest Gillquist family,

    Our prayers and tears are with you all this evening.

    MUCH love,
    the Sokolov Family

  14. Dear Father Peter,
    My heart is saddened for your sickness, and I pray God’s peace upon you and especially upon Kh. Marilyn as she holds your hand. I’m thankful to have met you, both back then, at the house of Father Gordon many years ago, almost 40 years.

    “What a Wonderful Life” you showed us to live! Indeed it has been after you are “IN” the Church. Looking inside you do not understand, looking out, you cannot explain, but BEING IN is another world. I’m constantly amazed of what I learn daily.

    Deacon Edward heard those words “Bloom Where You’re Planted” and resonated well in his heart and in mine also. You took that phrase from some author and applied it to ourselves in that time. It makes sense still as not to be nomads.

    I’m growing! Every time I attend Great Vespers, I feel green leaves growing around me, The Divine Service is filling my heart with the Living Waters of Life, the midweek Vespers keeps me fertilized constantly, knowing that the teaching and example of all who follow Christ keeps me grounded.
    Thank you for your faithfulness and energy of Joy!

    Coming from another country and finding the Pearl of Great Price in middle Tennessee is a miracle of miracles, with your teaching in my heart I thank all of the Extraordinary Men who showed me how to live In the Church.

    With God’s Grace I will continue to serve in His Church,

    Much love and remembrance, Sh. Myrna

  15. Finish the race! Amen! Amen! Amen! I remember well Fr. Peter preaching on that theme and it has stayed with me over all these years! Thank you, Fr. Peter, for helping us on our journey into Orthodoxy! Pray for us from Heaven! You have been in our daily prayers at Holy Trinity, Santa Fe, and will continue to be.

    With much love in Christ our God,

    Fr. John Bethancourt

  16. Dorothy Tampary, President of the Antiochian Women of the Diocese of Miami and the Southeast on said:

    Fr. Peter, Kh. Marilyn and family,
    Please know that you are all in the prayers of the women of the Diocese of Miami and the Southeast.
    Fr. Peter, you have served Christ and His Body with faith and love. Thank you for teaching us all to share Christ with those who do not know Him. May you hear the beautiful words, “Welcome Home,” sung as you finish the race.
    Love in Christ,
    Dorothy Tampary, representing the Antiochian Women of the Diocese of Miami and the Southeast

  17. Father Peter,

    You were the MOST inspirational force in my spiritual upbringing. As a kid, you made church and the spiritual life very real to me. You emphasized the church as being the Kingdom of God on earth and you always sat in the back- as if you were the greeter into the Kingdom. I only expect the same from you in the eternal one.

    See you then,

    Michael Easbey

  18. Fr Peter, Kh Marilyn and Family,

    Many prayers were offered up at this werkend’s Diocese of Toledo PLC in Chicago.
    We love ypu with the love of the Lord.

    An unworthy Priest

    Fr Daniel Hackney

  19. Dearest Father Peter,
    We continue to pray for you and your family.
    Much love,
    The Piszczek family

  20. Father Peter,

    I just moved here to Bloomington and to All Saints, so I don’t think you and I have met. But from day one, my husband and I have felt the tremendous love in this community you have helped to build. Later, I was struck by your incredible courage on the day you announced to the parish that your illness had returned. I listened to you and saw the reaction of this wonderful church family and thought, “Here in this place is the kingdom of God.” It was a moment I will never forget; it taught me much about what it means to be a Christian in these times. In the face of evil, we must have courage. In tribulation, strength. In adversity, faithfulness. In all situations, love.

    Thank you for the incredible work you have done for Christ’s kingdom. We are praying for you and your family every moment we can.

    In the love of God our Father,

    -Elyse (and Bryce) Buffenbarger

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