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.
Our prayers are with Fr. Peter and his family. Thank you so much for all you’ve done to bring Christ’s Church to America. I pray that Christ and His Holy Mother will comfort you and your loved ones during this trial.
Father, bless!
Fr. Peter, I had the privilege of meeting you back in the early seventies at the Montana Christian Ashram where you were the Bible teacher or Evangelist for the week. I was a young teenager, who, having grown up in an eclectically Evangelical/Pentecostal/Holiness household, found his faith revived and renewed by charismatic renewal among Roman Catholics and mainstream Protestants, along with the “Jesus Revolution”. At the time, I was especially encouraged and informed by “Love is Now” and “Let’s Quit Fighting about the Holy Spirit”.
Imagine my astonishment when, years later, as an Anglican seminary student in the 1980’s, I discovered your role as a founder of the Evangelical Orthodox Church, followed by your entry, along with most of the EOC, into the Antiochian Archdiocese. It is amazing to me to see how so many people who were in similar places to me back in the early seventies have found their way into the Orthodox Church, one of the Oriental Orthodox Churches, the Roman Catholic Church, the Convergence Movement, traditional Anglicanism, or, like me, an Independent Orthodox/Catholic Church related to one of these traditions. Your books concerning your own journey, and that of others into the Orthodox Church, have had, and are having, an ever-increasingly ripple effect.
One of my long time friends, the daughter of a United Methodist minister who served for a time in my hometown in NE Montana (a bastion of Scandinavian Lutheranism and Roman Catholicism that I fondly call “Lake Wobegon”), has remained Evangelical, but also remembers you fondly from that Ashram so long ago.
You and your family have long been in my prayers and will remain so as well as all your colleagues and fellow faithful in the AOCA. By the grace of the Most Blessed Trinity, your life and ministry have been a wonderful blessing to me and to many, both in and outside the Orthodox Church.
Forgive me, a sinner.
Fr. Gregory Ned Blevins, Ecumenical and Social Concerns Representative
Antiochian Catholic Church in America, Kodak TN
The ACCA is an Independent non-chalcedonian Indo-Syriac jurisdiction.
Dear Father Peter and Kh. Marilyn,
Both of you and your entire family have been in my prayers and thoughts so very much.
You have both been such a source of inspiration and example on so many levels for me. I remember childhood days coming to your home and finding it filled with joy, laughter and most of all, Christ’s love. The way that you chose to completely give yourselves to God and His path was and always will be so evident-the Lord truly shines through both of you. Thank you for that. He shines through your family, and through the trail you have blazed, thus far.
Father Peter, I have a very fond memory of you playing “Pie in the Sky” at a church gathering in the courtyard we lived in on Sueno Road in Isla Vista in the 1980’s. You were on a stage with your banjo. Always smiling…loving.
Thank you for your kindness and for your steadfast resolve to serve the Lord…and for heeding His call to both you and your entire family in their sacrifices, to help take our church family and so many others to Orthodoxy. What a blessing words cannot describe.
May our Blessed Mother envelope you all in her comfort and peace, may God’s mercy, love and grace shelter and surround you and may He bless you with comfort.
We love you very, very much,
Jill Machado and family- Bruce, Kayla, Emily, Faith Joy and Tabitha Grace (due in Oct.)
Father Peter,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time. May God always be with you and watch over you. God bless.
Dear Father Peter,
I know you don’t know me, but as many others have expressed so beautifully – you have very greatly effected my life. I am new to Orthodoxy and I have been studying for almost a year, hoping to be baptised very soon! Your writings were some of the earliest of my readings and you have encouraged me to persevere in the faith even when receiving hostile reactions from friends and family.
I used to live in Michigan and one of our favorite winter activities was cross country skiing. It was most difficult to be the leader of the pack, because “breaking trail” through new snow was arduois and tiring. It took a strong, focued, determined individual whose intent was to make it easier and more enjoyable for the rest of. That’s you, Father Peter – a “trail blazer”!
My hope for the rest of my journey is to bring as many others with me as I possibly can. Your commitment to missions is what spurs me forward in that endeavor and again, I will always be so very grateful for God’s mercy on my soul through the outreach efforts of your ministry.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have great but tender mercy on the soul of Father Peter.
Dear Fr. Peter,
I can’t express what an incredible role you have played in my life. I have so greatly appreciated my conversations with you over the years. I greatly appreciate your constant love and support for me and my endeavors. I have always looked up to you with the greatest respected and hoped that I could be more like you.
I remember at Tyler and Taylor’s wedding you sharing the story of you and Kh. Marilyn going to a talk on marriage as a young couple. You said the presenter, said that the ideal ending for a marriage is to stand at the judgement day with your wife, and children and say to the Lord, “We’re all here present and accounted for”. I couldn’t help but think that there was no better person to share this than you Fr. Peter.
Thank you for our conversations, for your advice and words. I remember at Palm Springs for the national convention, having a room full of people after the oratorical contest, but looking down and seeing you in the audience and hoping that I would get just a minute to talk with you. It turned out to be one of the greatest half an hour of my life.
Thank you Fr. Peter for all you have done. You, Kh. Marilyn and the entire family are in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Joel Schaefer
Stephanie just mentioned the situation, and so I wanted to wish you a speedy recovery.
Fr. Peter…I met you at St. George Antiochian Church in Indy in Nov/Dec 2010 and was greatly impacted by your words and kindness. I had been previously impacted and challenged by your book Becoming Orthodox, as I found myself, as an evangelical, on a path towards Orthodoxy since 2009. Shortly after I met you, at the age of 47, I was diagnosed with stage I colon cancer and from Day 1 of my journey it was to me a blessing from God, a sort of “cup of Christ” I was given to draw me even closer to God. God has healed me and providentially allowed me to stay on this side of eternity a bit longer, but I was ready to come home, too. Since being declared cancer-free a year ago, I have struggled to know His will…His leading. After hearing of your journey intersecting with cancer again, you have to know my heart beats in unison with yours, as you take these final earthly steps towards our God and King. I immediately went and listened to your entire interview on AFR (Dec ’11) with your wife and son and realized that though I have been Orthodox in spirit these past three years, I must become fully Orthodox. And, if God wills, maybe I one day will be that “young buck” that you spoke of. God’s mercy and peace be with you, as you prepare to step into His presence. I thank God for your blessed life!
prayerfully……………Steven Baney, Fishers, IN
Fr Peter,
Grace to you, your wife and family and Peace from God the Father, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His All Holy and Life-Creating Spirit. I pray for you all in my prayers daily, thanking God for you and the influence you have has had on my life and my conversion to the Holy Orthodox Church, and my growing in my faith. And not only me, but eventually my whole family, and countless others whose names we do not know this side of Heaven.
Your Spirit exudes the love and affection of Christ, and the peace of the Holy Spirit. I will never forget your encouragement and guidance when I was a part of establishing a mission parish in here in Lee’s Summit, and eventually saw it fall apart. You were a vessel of mercy in those confusing days. I agree with you, there will be a parish here some day. Please pray to that end.
I pray that the Great Physician of both soul and body is with you, and that His healing mercy and deep peace that surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart, soul, mind and body. I pray this for your wife, children and all who love you as well. Please remember me and my family in your prayers both in this life, and in the next.
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according the power that works in us, to Him be Glory, in the Church, by Christ Jesus, unto all generations forever and ever. Amen
In XC,
Matthew Dorning
Fr Peter,
The parish community of St Michael the Archangel in Louisville is lifting you up in prayers. Tonight we will be sharing your story in our Orthodox Studies class to inquirers, catechumans, and other faithful and showing the “Welcome Home” video. You are still preaching and leading people home. Thank you, father.
Vicki and I are praying for you Fr. Peter. We love you and will be thinking of you. From Nashville to Memphis and back to Nashville you have always been such a blessing to us. Your stories and your heart for God are always an inspiration for us to follow Him.
Wayne and Vicki Parr
Dear Fr. Peter and Kh. Marilyn,
Our hearts ached when we heard about the return of the cancer. You have been such a wonderful blessing to all of us up here in Eagle River. We so looked forward to your visits and were always encouraged and uplifted by your words. It was indeed a special blessing to have you both with us when Kh Barbara passed away. It is so much easier to bear heavy burdens when we are surrounded by friends.
May God bless you and keep you and your family during this time and always.
Love to you all,
Dwight & Deborah Stallman & family
Dear Father Peter and Marilyn:
What a gift it has been to have you in our lives, both while you were here in Santa Barbara, and even now, while you’re in Indiana, soaking up the beauties of the mid-west. Please know that you are in our prayers, and that we are directing as many good and happy and smile-filled thoughts in your direction.
You have served Christ so faithfully all these years and I know that you are serving him even now–maybe even more so as you encounter pain and suffering and struggle. May God give you peace!!!
It was such a comfort this past weekend–as I was in Seattle with Andrew, since he’ll be at SPU this next fall–to hear your name on the list of those being prayed for –right there at Saint Paul’s in Lynwood, Washington. A connection of community, a community that you have helped build and that stands strong this day, and that benefits so many.
All our love,
jane G Meyer
Dear Fr. Peter, Khouriya, and Family,
I pray our Lord and Savior is with you granting you comfort, compassion, and most of all strength during this time.
After hearing about Fr. Peter’s condition yesterday I only can say I was deeply saddened and still can not believe it. Fr. Peter, I was fortunate to have known you since my childhood growing up in the ministry. You have helped true believers see the Light throughout your ministry which is a blessing just like Jesus commanded. I pray that our Lord brings you comfort and strength to a speedy recovery.
We love you and words can not express it enough.
May you overcome this challenge knowing the grace of God is truly by your side. You and your family is in our prayers.
God bless,
Phil Nasr
Fr. Peter,
Our deep prayers, gratitude, and love for you. Your works have borne so much fruit. May our Lord’s peace be yours.
In Christ,
Douglas George Cramer and the team of the Archdiocese Dept. of Internet Ministry
Fr. Peter,
I brazenly called you after reading your book, Becoming Orthodox, and we talked for almost an hour about my conversion. At the end, you asked me to keep in touch. I wish I had. Be assured of my prayers for you and your family.
Father Peter,
Thanks to your leadership, guidance and vision, the doors to St. Nicholas Church in Shreveport, Louisiana were opened to the faithful 18 years ago. We are blessed to have the opportunity to grow in our faith and worship our Lord at St. Nicholas. We will forever be grateful to you and your never ending faith.
May God continue to watch over you and your family during this time of need.
Dear Fr. Peter,
You know how special you are to us both. Our love and prayers are with you and your family daily. God has truly blessed you and your ministry. The fruit impacts all, now and in the future. I have treasured our work together and your friendship and warm hospitality. May God continue to bless you always.
With deep love and respect,
Charles and Marilee Ajalat
Fr Peter, Marilyn, and all the Gillquist family,
Growing up within the St Athanasius community, I initially did not comprehend just how much you and a few others (including my grandfathers) did to bring so many to the Faith, but as I got older I was able to appreciate what you did in pushing (or pulling) my family to Orthodoxy. It hasn’t ended yet either; in fact, it continues, now with my wife and her mother, and our one year old son. They are part of your ripple effect too. I’ve spent a lot of time with you at church and in your home over the years, but I don’t believe I ever said thank you for this. It should go without saying that you are in our prayers, but please know that we are grateful for you and all you have done. May God bless you and your family.
Love,
Jobie, Erin, and Michael Braun
Father,
You are in my prayers. I don’t if you remember me but I was the cathechumen you met 3 years ago this coming Christmas in the narthex of St. Barnabas where you Deacon Tom said that I was really excited because I had just picked (or been picked!) my patron saint. Tom told you that even though it was the beginning of December I was really excited already about Chrysmation when you said, “Oh, I guess they haven’t told you about the circumcision ceremony.”
We all laughed so hard…well, except inside I was wonder! ;-))
Please know that you and your entire family are in my prayers and I love you all.
In Christ,
Bob Pace