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.
Memory eternal, Father Peter!
Although a lifelong Orthodox Christian, an introduction to Father Peter and his book “Becoming Orthodox” sparked in me a new interest in my faith. I will always remember my theological conversations with him and the kindness and hospitality he and Marilyn showed me. Gospodi pomilui!
May his Memory be Eternal!
As a young girl, the teaching of Peter Gillquist had great impact on my heart and framed my thinking about the love of Christ. I am sad to hear of his suffering but rejoice knowing he is home. Much love to his family during this time of sorrow. Thank you to this saint for his life of service.
Although we did not know Fr. Peter and his family, we wish to express our deepest sympathy and heartfelt sorrow to his family on his passing into Eternal Life with our Lord. May his memory be eternal!
St. George AOC Church, Bridgeville, PA
Marilyn and family,
We thank God for the gift of the life of Fr. Peter, and for the tremendous contribution he has made to the Church and to the world, and we pray that the Comforter will come to you all and be with you at this very difficult time. Your faith has been a shining example to us and so many others, and we know that Fr. Peter now resides surrounded by eternal peace and Love. May God Bless you.
Love,
Diana and Craig
Thank You God for our beloved Father Peter who served You well with a big heart and a big smile. He will be greatly missed by me and so many who loved him.
Memory Eternal.
Much love and prayers for Kh. Marilyn, and family,
Jan McEver
Our family of seven is Orthodox today because of the work of the Holy Spirit in and through Fr. Peter, and the rest of the intrepid “evangelical orthodox”. Their desire to discover the one holy catholic and apostolic church and to commit to her when they found it…inspired our family to do the same thing. It was their act of faith and courage that gave us faith and courage as well. May we “converts” to the Orthodox Church not rest simply because we are “in” – but in the spirit of Fr. Peter – let us not rest until the entire world – especially our own country – knows the beauty and truth of Orthodoxy. Thank you Marilyn for sharing your husband with us and the Holy Church. Eternal rest grant unto Him Lord – and let your Light eternal shine upon him.
Kh. Marilyn and family, thanks for sharing your Fr. Peter with us all. Memory Eternal!
Paul Bunyan Meets the Intractable East and the Mission is Ongoing.
The Orthodox Christian Laity Board OCL was blessed to have Father Peter Gillquist as an advisor for more than 12 years. From day one, when I met him, he was bigger than life. Physically he was tall, robust and exuberant in nature. He reminded me of Paul Bunyan. He energized our board when he attended meetings and was our featured speaker at open forums and programs. He truly transcended all the Orthodox Christian groupings that exist in America. The Holy Spirit, present everywhere, and fills all creation, brought Father Peter and his brothers and sisters to Orthodox Christianity in 1987 and Orthodox Christianity in the United States has been nourished and nurtured by his sense of mission and outreach and it will never be the same. His vision and love for Orthodox Christianity are recorded in his written works. His work with assisting in developing the Orthodox Study Bible Old and New Testament is monumental. He was dedicated to OCF because our college youth are our future. He was truly a missionary and evangelist. In the character of Father Peter the east truly met the west. No wonder the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, the forces of Hellenism in Greece and in the Archdiocese and the Patriarchate in Istanbul were taken aback by his optimism, sense of mission, Christ centeredness and inquiring and open mind. But Orthodox Christianity transcends all these human elements and he found his way into Orthodoxy. His legacy is that if we remain Christ-centered and live within the sacramental life of the Apostolic Church we can move mountains. Father Peter believed that Orthodox Christianity is still the best kept secret in America and that it is our challenge to bring the Light of Christ through the Orthodox faith to our brothers and sisters in America. May His memory be Eternal. His work shall continue.
George Matsoukas, Executive Director Orthodox Christian Laity
Condolences from St. George the Great Martyr Church in Carolina, Puerto Rico.
May his memory be eternal
Very shortly after my wife was diagnosed with an islet cell (pancreatic) cancer in 1991, I came across—in an evangelical Christian bookstore of all places—Fr. Peter’s book, Becoming Orthodox. It looked intriguing, so I bought it. As I read chapter after chapter, I kept saying, “Oh!” …and ”Ohhhh!”…and ”Ohhhhhhhhhh!” This was the very first book I ever read about the Orthodox Church, and I strongly sensed right then that there would no turning back to my evangelical ways.
My wife passed away from the cancer in late 1999. Two weeks later, my daughter (only 10 years old) and I attended for the first time the Antiochian church of which we are members today. On the very next Sunday, Fr. Peter visited what was back then a very small mission. I introduced myself during coffee hour and thanked him for his book and how it started me on the journey to Orthodoxy. I told him about my wife dying from cancer a few weeks prior, at which point he told me about his being diagnosed with melanoma. I then introduced him to my daughter, and he said some kind words to her about her mother’s passing and then mentioned to her his new foe of cancer.
For three weeks during the summer of 2000, my daughter and I visited Turkey. We spent the last week in Istanbul. One day the two of us, who were not even Orthodox yet, were sitting in the office of the Ecumenical Patriarch, and I remember thinking to myself, “This is the place Peter Gillquist and some of the other EOC leaders came when they were first seeking entry into the Orthodox Church. I’m in the place that I read about in his book back almost ten years ago. This is almost surreal.” Actually, being there was surreal without thinking about Fr. Peter. The thought of the long history of this Patriarchate overwhelmed me.
Finally, on Holy Saturday 2001, my daughter and I were received into the Church. Two or three years later I e-mailed Fr. Peter about something—I can’t even remember now what it was. The result of that—again, I don’t know why—was his sending me a copy of A Faith Fulfilled: Why are Christians Across Great Britain Embracing Orthodoxy? by Fr. Michael Harper, a well-known convert from the Church of England. Fast forward to the summer of 2007. My daughter (by now 18) and I were vacationing in England. On our first Sunday in London, we decide to attend one of two Antiochian churches that I knew were in the city. It turns out that we went to the one pastored by Fr. Michael. I was delighted to learn that he was the priest when I went online to confirm the church’s address. Metropolitan Kallistos Ware just happened to be there that day, and he not only preached the homily, but also served communion. We met Fr. Michael and the Metropolitan during coffee hour and potluck. I told Fr. Michael about receiving his book from Fr. Peter. And, of course, I told him about my journey to Orthodoxy, and that it began with Fr. Peter’s book.
So, why am I writing such a long story? Well, to show at least three things:
1. Orthodoxy is indeed a small world, influenced in various ways by the hand of God. You never know who you’re going to meet.
2. Fr. Peter had a big, important influence in my life.
3. I will always be thankful for Fr. Peter’s life and indebted to him for his and his friends’ earnest search for the New Testament church.
In conclusion, I want to say that my story is unique. (By its very nature and circumstances it has to be.) However, in some ways mine is NOT unique. I think it is important to remind ourselves that there are hundreds, and likely thousands, of other similar stories about journeys to the ancient Christian faith that in one way or another were impacted by Fr. Peter’s own unique journey. I do not doubt his influence on people during his many years fulfilling his roles as an Orthodox priest, but I have to wonder: Where would many of us be today if he had never written Becoming Orthodox?
Fr. Peter, may the Lord bless you. May your memory be eternal. And I look forward to having another conversation with you someday—in the place you, at this very moment, are experiencing with great joy, awe, and humility.
Several years ago, I sent Peter a letter that thanked him for “Love Is Now” and the times we spent together in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and Memphis, Tennessee in 1968-1969. In 1972, our paths diverged. But he has always had a dear place in my heart for the past 40 years.
Marilyn, thank you for your hospitality during the times Don Berge and I were holed up in the house behind your main house there in Memphis when I visited y’all.
I send to you and your family my condolences in your loss. I am very thankful to God that He let me spend some time with your husband in this life. It is a great comfort to know that Peter is now living where “Love Is Now” is the reality.
Dear Marilyn and Family,
My prayers – and those of so many around the world – are with you these days. Your husband and father made such a wonderful impact on so many lives, including mine The Lord will surely look at him and say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
Much love and prayers,
Ann
(Heb 12:22,23)
Father Peter, longtime Chaplain of our beloved fraternity, you have touched the lives of many Brothers. You have comforted many in our moment of need. You have counseled us as Brothers who share a common bond. Your wisdom and wit have been heard by many and forgotten by few. Your friendly nature and solid character will be remembered always.
I offer this prayer which you and others placed in “The Spiritual Heritage of Sigma Alpha Epsilon” while you were a member of the 2007-2009 Chaplain’s Council. It is a prayer I routinely offer when a Brother has departed and becomes a member of our Chapter Eternal.
“Into Your hands, O Lord, we commend the soul of our brother Father Peter, and ask You to grant him rest in the place of Your peace where all Your blessed followers repose and where the light of Your countenance shines forever. And we beseech You also to grant that our present lives may be godly, selfless and righteous, that we too may be made worthy to enter into Your heavenly kingdom with those we love but see no longer. For You are the resurrection and the life, and the resting place of Your departed servants, O Lord, and to You we ascribe glory: To the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.”
May you rest in peace, and may be God be with you. Phi Alpha, my Brother!
in our heartfelt prayers. Lord, have mercy!
Fr. Wade Fahnestock+
Lakeland, FL
Memory Eternal, Fr. Peter!! The entire Gillquist family will be in my prayers.
Bryan Hartman
Hondo, TX
I only got to talk to Father Peter maybe three times, when he came down to visit with us in Evansville at St. Ananias Orthodox Mission, but he was one of those people that stand out in my memory. I have met many a important person, and few stand out as well as the good father. He was a good man, a good Christian and a good priest and I am sure he was also a good husband/dad…and now I am sure that he is with Our Lord and is a good saint. God bless you Father Peter. Tim
May God grant His servant, the Archpriest Peter, Eternal Rest in His Heavenly Mansions! May Father Peter’s Memory be Eternal! My prayers are with you, the Gillquist family, at this time. We will definitely commemorate Father Peter and the Gillquist family at Annunciation Parish in Santa Maria, California. May God Bless you and be with you all! May we see Father Peter again in Paradise! God Bless, from Peter Howe
Fr. Peter’s book, Becoming Orthodox, was instrumental in my personal journey of faith, and it helped inspire my wife and me to become Orthodox. We were honored to have met him twice, once at Holy Cross and once at a Mission and Evangelism Conference in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. Fr. Peter’s dynamic leadership and practical insight and inspiring enthusiasm for the Gospel of Jesus Christ were like springs of living water to us. He will be greatly missed. May his memory be eternal. Give rest, O God, to the soul of your servant.
yours in Christ,
Ed and Tena Blain