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 his MEMORY BE ETERNAL! Praying for comfort and healing of your hearts, Fr. Peter Jon, Kh. Kristina, Kh. Marilyn and all of your family. With love, Camille Waser
I met Fr. Gilquist over a decade ago at a national leadership school and had the privilege of calling him Brother. Your work in this life is finished so that your work in the next may begin. God bless you Fr. and my prayers and condolences to your family. It’s been an honor, sir.
Pledge we now the mystic token
That our bond remains unbroken,
Firm and lasting as before.
Death may veil, but cannot sever,
Love still lives and lives forever,
Strong and constant as of yore.
Yonder, in Phi Alpha’s dawning,
Highest hopes and holiest longing
Shall their full fruition find.
There, with perfect bonds fraternal,
‘Neath the All-seeing Eye Eternal,
Love our hearts shall closer bind.
You will not know me but I am one who personally was awed by Fr. Peter and the Evangelical faithful who searched high and low for the True Faith and found Orthodoxy, the faith I had been born into. As Fr. Peter traveled around the country visiting parishes and helping to organize missions he would visit us in Western New York; not only Antiochian but other jurisdictions as well. His love of the church was felt by many and influenced many to join or rededicate themselves to the faith of our fathers. He will be sorely missed.. May his memory be eternal.
Dear Marilyn and Family:
Our prayers are with all of you and with Father Peter. May Christ grant all of you his great compassion and love during this time of your loss and may he grant Father Peter rest in the bosom of Abraham.
May his memory be eternal!
Fr. David and Luanne Barr
Dearest Khouriyee Marilyn,
“THE LORD GAVE AND THE LORD HAS TAKEN AWAY. BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD.”
In Father Peter Gillquist, the Lord gave the Church one of the greatest missionary saints of the ages. A remarkable preacher, an enlightened teacher, a gifted communicator, a concise and effective writer, a true and kind friend, an encourager of others, a devoted husband and father, a thoughtful friend, a lecturer with a delightful touch of humor, Fr. Peter had the spiritual gifts of a Great Church Father.
Kh Marilyn, Fr. Peter loved you with an amazing love that increased every day he was separated from you by his incessant travels to spread the gospel. His agape-love will lighten the lives forever of all who knew him.
We love you Kh Marilyn. Your love for Fr. Peter kept him upbeat in doing the Lord’s work all these years. May that divine comfort which passes all understanding be yours at this time of your joyful grief.
Memory Eternal!
John Windsor
Evangelical Protestant Convert
Saint George Antiochian Orthodox Church
West Saint Paul, Minnesota
Fr. Peter’s memory will be eternal. May his body rest in peace and his soul live forever. To an amazing man that touched the life of so many. It was an honor having known him. Our prayers and love to the family. May the grieving be filled with only happy memories of an incredible human and truly a saint.
Dearest Marilyn and family,
Today seems a little less bright knowing that our beloved Fr. Peter has left us. I’m grateful that his suffering was not long and that you and family could be with him.
I have many memories of the two of you over these 20+ years that I’ve known you. But one that stands out is the week I stayed with you after my cancer surgery. I was in the downstairs apartment at the house by-the-sea and at night I could hear Fr. Peter and you singing favorite songs or hymns. Even though I was in great pain from the surgery, the songs would lift my spirits and some would even make me laugh.
Another precious memory are the hugs and words of encouragement from Fr. Peter as one cancer survivor to another. Whenever he was home from his trips, he would always come over to me at coffee hour and ask how I was doing. Being single and both of my parents deceased, having a great big ole bear hug from a “dad” was just the best!
I pray for you and your family for comfort and strength in the coming days as you prepare to make your final goodbyes. I wish I could be with you to say through our tears, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”
Memory eternal!
Love in Christ our Savior,
Carla
We send our sympathy and prayers to the Gillquist Family and friends.
Father Peter and I are brothers in the bonds of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. His ministry and service to our Fraternity is a blessing.
Father Peter, may you rest in peace and rise in glory!
Peace be with you all,
Ron and Ellen Doleac
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
To Marilyn and the whole wonderful family Gillquist,
I was truly saddened to hear that your fr Peter has passed away.
I think of you all today! And I send you warm hugs and many thoughts (from Sweden).
I have so many wonderful and happy memories with all of you from my year as an exchange student in Goleta 1984. Thank you for your generosity, warmth and wonderful community! You welcomed me in your family and in your church and introduced me to a new, big world. I will keep those memories for the rest of my life.
Love to you all, Marie Stangel (Svennilson)
Our love , deepest sympathies and prayers go to Kh. Marilyn, the entire Gillquist family and friends of our beloved Fr. Peter. May God rest his soul and speed his journey accompanied by the Lord’s Holy Angels to a Mansion where there is no sorrowing or sighing but life everlasting. I know that Father Peter will continue to pray for us, unworthy servants of Christ Jesus.
Love in Christ,
James and Patricia Finchum
A lion has departed this life, and an era of American Orthodoxy is closing. The days of introduction are passing, and an era of deep conversion is opening. The ever-memorable arch priest Peter roared and many were awakened to the evangelical call to return to the holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
I remember Fr Peter sitting in my living room in Boise, Idaho, back in September, 1996. “should we say the ‘m’ word?” he asked with a sparkle in his eye! We did, and our mission there got started.
May the Lord God remember the archpriest Peter in His kingdom, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. AMEN!
May God bless the family. Thank you Fr. Peter for the kindness you showed me.
I never met Fr. Gillquest personally, but his book “Becoming Orthodox” was very influential in helping me make the decision to convert to the True Faith. May his memory be eternal.
My deepest sympathy and prayers to the family of Fr Peter. His was a life well lived and he will always be remembered in the history of the Antiochian Orthodox Church.
What an amazing legacy he has left behind!
Memory eternal.
Matushka Margaret Scheidler, formerly from St Ignatius Antiochian Church, Franklin, TN
(we typed this for Kh. Sylvia Ballew)
To Kh. Marilyn and family,,
You have our deepest symphathy and our prayers. May you continue to be comforted as you look to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Kh. Sylvia Ballew and Family
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Dear Kh. Marilyn and Family,
I want to thank you from the depth of my heart for sharing these last few days and hours with us via these posts. It has been a blessing beyond measure and a hope that I can not describe. Our God is so very good to give us this example. May his memory be eternal and may you all feel the peace and love of God that surpasses understanding. Our prayers are with you. Dear Fr. Peter, pray to God for us sinners.
In Christ
Jennifer Juliana (for all the Cutshalls)
To Khouria Marylin, Father Peter Jon and the whole Gillquist family:
With a heavy heart I receive the news of your dear husband, father, grandfather, and priest; yet also with the words of our Lord ringing in my ears, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” I remember with what excitement and joy we greeted Fr. Peter at St. Vladimir’s Seminary in 1987 after your entry into Holy Orthodoxy. He has been an inspiration to many and has opened an important chapter for Orthodoxy in America that will always be remembered and will have repercussions or generations to come.
May our good God reward him for all his efforts in bringing others to the true Faith and grant him eternal rest in His glorious kingdom!
Father Michael, Khouria Makrina, and Simeon Shanbour
May God Rest his soul and grant him delight in the heavenly kingdom. What a beautiful, perfect death he had. May his memory be eternal, and may all of your hearts be comforted, as God prepares you for residence also, in His heavenly kingdom. Amen!