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!
+++
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.
Fr. Paul Olson said it so well. Fr. Peter WAS such a blessing to SO many. It was a joy to know him, and it’s a joy to know so many of you in his large, wonderful family. Our hearts and prayers are with all of you. We wish we could be there with you.
Memory eternal!!
Dear Kh. Marilyn, Fr. Peter Jon, and all of Fr. Peter’s beloved family of children, grandchildren, and little great-grandchild, who in on her/his way,
Oh what a life, and what a death! Thanks be to God for the witness of his life and praise be to God for the example of his death!
An inspiration in his holy life and in his beautiful death, may his memory be eternal.
With gratitude and prayers,
Anna and David
Many important things learned from Peter and Marilyn, 1965-68 in Evanston while a student at Northwestern U. Still have the weeding gift given to us by them, Dec. 1969, a brass chalice.Many prayers uttered here for Fr. Peter and Marilyn and the family and all those whose lives he touched. By the way…the story he told (often) in fraternity meetings and in “College Life” meetings (even if apocryphal) about the electric blankets in the SAE house is still very funny!
God grant to the family comfort and peace. We will remember Fr. Peter in prayer always, and thank God for his life, one that touched, influenced, and blessed so many people. May his memory be eternal!
I am not a cryer but am shedding tears of sadness and joy for a man I never met. I am newly chrismated and my journey’s first step was reading Becoming Orthodox. I am thankful for Fr. Peter’s relentless pursuit of the truth in his own journey, paving the way for me and many many others.
Dear family of Father Peter,
I am saddened at Fathers passing and I am relieved that he is no longer suffering and in pain. I became Orthodox this past June 24th at St. Andrews Orthodox Church in Lexington, Kentucky. Fr.Peter had a huge impact on my life because of his courageous journey into Orthodoxy and his love for evangelism. I just wanted you all to know that his influence has brought me into the true faith. God bless you all as you work through your missing his presence on this earth. Memory Eternal.
Beth Anne
If we ever wondered what “a Christian ending to our life” means, this is it. Thank you to the family for sharing these details about the last few weeks of Fr. Peter’s life, because he so effectively modeled how we should live. May his memory be eternal, and the Lord comfort you all.
May God grant rest with the saints to his newly departed servant Archpriest Peter and may He make his Memory to be Eternal!!!!
The faithfull of Holy Assumption of St. Mary Ortyhodox Church, Pittsburgh PA offer to you, Fr. peter’s beloved family, our prayers and condolences.
Memory Eternal! My condolences to the entire family. I can still remember Fr. Peter playing his banjo several decades ago.
May Fr. Peter’s memory be eternal!
Blessings of comfort and sweet memories of the good times and of the holy ending to a holy life to Marilyn and all of your dear family.
He was such a blessing to so many. Thank God for such a man.
Fr. Paul Olson
May his memory be eternal and may he dwell with the blessed! Our condolences to Kh. Marilyn and the entire Gillquist family. Thank you for sharing your husband and father and grandfather with us. He is a true saint. May our gracious and loving Lord comfort and encourage you at this time.
With love,
Bonnie Alexander
Our little Mission Church in Cape Girardeau, Mo was founded by Father Peter Gilquist in 2008 at my home, I have the honor of saying. He contacted Father Joseph of the Greek Orthodox Church in St. Louis and then Fr. Joseph contacted me since I lived in Cape and had known Fr. Joseph for many years thru my wife Amalia. He asked if I would be willing to meet with “Jim McCool” (now Fr. James) and aid him in finding a location suitable for the Mission.
I told Fr. Joseph I have had a home for sale sometime now and that it can be used until it’s sold or the bank takes it. I had it for sale almost 2 years from 2006-2008.
My wife was born in Greece and I had not yet become Orthodox. We had used the excuse of the Church being too far from us to attend regular, but we had been searching for something closer to no avail. Long story short, I opened my home to the Church and was a bit afraid to become too involved for fear that it might change me! Well it has and it’s all thanks to Father Peter who initiated it in the first place. Over the course of a few months, I began attending Services and after about 6 months the house was sold to a Evangelical Pastor who had saw the Holy Orthodox Bible on the Altar in our basement.
My family and I, months prior, had purchased tickets to Greece and when we returned I became a Catichuman. I dove head first into the Church and have not looked back. Now we are becoming established and are Blessed with Fr. Daniel Morton as our Parish Priest and Fr. James as one who serves regularly while enroute to another Mission in Jackson, TN. We are all so Thankful for Father Peter and his determination. Words cannot express the personal gratitude I feel for him and his aiding in the Salvation of my Eternal Soul and that of my wife and 2 girls Alexia and Nefeli. I look forward to seeing him again. Thank You Father, May Your Memory Be Eternal.
Eternal Rest grant unto him oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him; may he rest in peace +. Here’s to a man who’s life, work, and passion inspired me in highschool…and still inspire me today. My tears and prayers are with the Gillquist family, their friends, and Fr. Peter
Fr. Peter and family,
I had the pleasure of meeting Fr. Peter as a St. Stephens student, it was one of the highlights of my stay at the Antiochian Village. What an amazing man of God. May his memory be eternal!
Dearest Marilyn and kids, My heart is heavy for the loss of Peter on earth. However I am rejoicing in his new home with the Lord. He had fought the good fight and left a mark in the Christian world. I love you all so much and my prayers are you will all be comforted by our dear Lord Jesus! Love to you all, Di
Memory eternal Fr. Peter
Gospodi pomiluj may you be in no pain and your family comforted
Your book has helped me on my path to Orthodoxy
In my prayers
Memory eternal for Fr. Peter
Your book has helped me on my path to Orthodoxy
Gossopodi Pomiluj may you be in no pain and your family comforted
You and your family are in my prayers.
You are all in my prayers as we grieve the loss of a very special servant of God and at the same time rejoice that he is no longer in pain and is celebrating with the saints that have gone before Him in the Presence of God! May his memory be eternal!
May His Memory Be Eternal!!
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Gillquist family during this time. Fr. Peter touched our lives immensely and we will be eternally grateful to him & Marilyn for all of their support. He certainly made the most of the talents given him by Our Master!! Well done, good & faithful servant!!
In Christ,
Joel Swehla
I was blessed to have known Peter and priviledged to call him brother in Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He has left an indelible mark on our fraternity and I’m sure influenced many to be a better person.
Death may veil but cannot sever, love still lives and lives forever, strong and contstant as of yor. Phi Alpha Peter as you are welcomed into the everwidening mystic circle of the Chapter Eternal.