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.
May the angels receive him into paradise. Strength for Marilyn and the family.
Fr. Michael Keiser
Gee-Gee,
God rest your soul for eternity in the heavenly lofts!
You taught me so much and I’ll miss hearing your deep-bass singing voice, playing Scrabble and eating steak dinners with you–you always liked them cooked rare (at most)…maybe I’ll be man enough to eat mine that way one day too!
I’m glad we got to talk one last time recently.
You’re in my heart forever,
Love,
Jonny
p.s. I promise I’ll be there for grandma whenever she needs.
Eternal be his memory. We give thanks to the Lord for a life of faith and love. The author of Coming Home has now come face to face with the Author of Life Who welcomes him home to life eternal. As a fellow traveller on the Way to the Ancient Faith, I was blessed by Fr Peter and his friends as they manoeuvred their way through valleys, over mountains and crevices, and across stormy seas; never losing sight of that blessed hope until they made it into those tranquil waters where God dwells among men.
With prayers for Fr Peter and all those who grieve; may God grant you tears of joy.
Darren May on behalf of St Ignatius Antiochian Mission, Canberra Australia
Fr Peter has fought the good fight. He has finished the race. He now stands face to face with Christ his Savior. He now receives his crown.
Memory Eternal, good friend and mentor, Memory Eternal.
Fr John Reeves, family and parish
Memory eternal! Pray for us, Father!
He that dwelleth in the help of the Most High shall abide in the shelter of the God of heaven. He shall say unto the Lord: Thou art my helper and my refuge. He is my God, and I will hope in Him. For He shall deliver thee from the snare of the hunters and from every troubling word. With His shoulders will He overshadow thee, and under His wings shalt thou have hope. With a shield will His truth encompass thee; thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night, nor for the arrow that flieth by day, Nor for the thing that walketh in darkness, nor for the mishap and demon of noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand, but unto thee shall it not come nigh. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold, and thou shalt see the reward of sinners. For Thou, O Lord, art my hope. Thou madest the Most High thy refuge; No evils shall come nigh thee, and no scourge shall draw nigh unto thy dwelling. For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. On their hands shall they bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Upon the asp and basilisk shalt thou tread, and thou shalt trample upon the lion and dragon. For he hath set his hope on Me, and I will deliver him; I will shelter him because he hath known My name. He shall cry unto Me, and I will hearken unto him. I am with him in affliction, and I will rescue him and glorify him. With length of days will I satisfy him, and I will show him My salvation.
In an article dated December 27, 2011, from Ancient Faith Radio, an interview by John Maddex about the retirement of Fr. Peter Gillquist as Chairman of the Dept. of Missions and Evangelism for the Antiochian Archdiocese –
John Maddex to Fr. Peter Gillquist: “As you’ve stepped down, how do you want your legacy to be remembered ?”
Fr. Peter : ” To be honest, it’s a sinner saved by grace. One of the stern warnings of Scripture is “do not think of yourself more highly than you ought.” We’re never overcomers retired. We are overcomers until the day we meet God.”
Laurie Snider- St. John Cathedral – Eagle River, Alaska
Marilyn & family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you tonight. I loved Fr. Peter and I’m so sad he’s gone.
May his memory be eternal.
Love,
Bertie DeWane
Into the Eternal Light of God!
Peace to your family and friends.
Thy priesthood, may the Lord God remember in His heavenly kingdom, always now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen!
may your find joyful memories in your tears of sorrow.
My condolences to the family and friends. May God give your family strength to endure this great loss.
Grant, o Lord, eternal rest unto Your departed servant Father Peter and make his memory to be eternal!
Sanja Cvetanovic
Toronto
May his memory be eternal!
Fr. Peter, pray for us!
Fr. Peter,
I will always cherish the memories of our families singing together. I smile at the thought of you now singing with the saints and angels! Memory Eternal.
Mare Bear
Grandma, may I just say you certainly have a remarkable attitude and I am thankful that your and Gee-Gee’s prayers will always help me to have a loving mindset too whenever I run into challenges in life.
Grandma, I love you.
I can’t wait to see you later this week 🙂
Love, Jonny
Dearest Family,
I haven’t seen Father since you left Jackson. However, he was always such a positive influence on the lives of everyone who knew him. Now, he rests in the arms of the Saviour in Heaven. May God bless and keep you during your time of grief and remember we are praying for you.
With the Love of the Lord,
Cricket
I never met Fr. Peter, but his impact on my life has been immeasurable…especially through “Becoming Orthodox”, though I was born into an Orthodox family. That is why I wish I had thanked him when I first heard a few weeks ago that he was ill…and I never did, feeling horrible. May his memory be eternal, and may our Lord reward him handsomely for all of what he did on this earth to explain to others the Truth. May his prayers be with us, Amen.
Me too Marilyn, born Orthodox, but his book Becoming Orthodox was one of the first that I read where I felt a true connection to being American and being Orthodox. Many have thanked him for this book.
I am eternally grateful for Fr. Peter. It was because of his courageous leadership that I was able to become a part of the Orthodox Church in 1987, along with the other members of the EOC. With great joy, I have watched Fr. Peter run the race. I will never forget his glorious voice, raised in praise of our God or the exhortations he gave us. Fr. Peter was a true shepherd. He will be greatly missed. Memory eternal.
My dear Kh Marilyn, and all the clan,
I would like to share with you these words from St Ephraim the Syrian, which has brought me the most comfort over the years:
“Like a farmer who sees his fruits well ripened and prudently hastens to gather them that they might not be the least bit spoiled, so dost Thou also, O Savior, gather Thy chosen ones who have labored righteously.”
Memory eternal, Fr Peter.
With love,
Kh. Miriam
With the saints give rest, O Lord, to the Soul of your departed servant, the Archpriest Peter, where there is no pain, nor sorrow, nor suffering, but life everlasting!
MEMORY ETERNAL!
May his Memory be eternal! Our thoughts are with Kh Marylin and the Gillquist family.
Eternal be his memory….I was saddened to here about the falling asleep of Fr Peter, but comforted in the knowledge that he has run race that was set before him and has departed this life to be with those faithful who proclaimed the resurrection of Christ from the dead..
Fr. Peter’s book “Becoming Orthodox” was an inspiration for me and was one of the keys in my life that helped me unlock the faith I was born into, and for so long resisted…my tears and prayers are with the family…
Peter Papamanolis
Brisbane Australia