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.
Most blessed Fr. Peter,
There is no person more charitable than you. You are pure love. Agape love. You and your loving family are such a blessing to all. Thank you for teaching us how to be closer to God.
Kissing your right hand,
Veranica
Father Gillquist,
Your story of discovering “the ancient Orthodox faith” greatly impacted my life in 1994! Thank you for that great gift! I am calling on the “Name” of the Lord Jesus” to work His good, loving and wise will in your life!
Sending my love & prayers for you & your family,
Chuck (Timothy) Wretling
Denver, Colorado
Dear Fr. Peter, Kh. Marilyn and all of your family,
God bless you in this most difficult time. I remember my family meeting you at St. Athanasius in Goleta just 6 months after you joined the Orthodox Church. It was our first visit to the former AEOM parishes, and you were so kind and welcoming to us. We were on vacation, and you had no idea who we were, but you both invited us to your home for Sunday dinner, where we spent the rest of the afternoon getting to know you both. That was 1987, and we didn’t meet again until the Convention in L.A. in 2001. I knew you had been sick, and I wanted to talk to you. When I reminded you of our visit, you remembered us, and that was so special after all the many people and encounters you had over the years. Please know that all of you are in our prayers for God’s loving mercy, peace and comfort in the days ahead. Thank you for all you have done for so many people.
Dear Fr. Peter and Kh. Marilyn,
Please be assured that the faithful of St. Raphael Church in Iowa City are praying for the Lord’s comfort and peace and strength for you during this difficult time.
Father, speaking for myself, your story of journeying into the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church as told in your book “Becoming Orthodox” was very helpful in allowing me to see that American Protestants could find a home in the Orthodox Church. You opened my eyes and helped me to see that my love for Jesus could be enhanced and deepened by coming into a relationship with His Church.
Speaking for my flock in Iowa City, we will forever be grateful for your hard work on our behalf to help us raise the funds necessary to buy our church building. You are considered one of the founders of our community, and you will be happy to hear that we just learned we are no longer a mission, but now a full parish.
And my son Josiah and I will never forget that ride with you from Wisconsin to Iowa, on snowy roads, at night. He got pretty sick, but we soldiered on, and you even offered (with a smile on your face) to drive so that I could tend to him.
Thank you for the example of faithfulness you have modelled for us. Thank you for your witness for Christ to so many thousands over the years. I love you, my family loves you, and the people of St. Raphael Church love you.
In Christ,
Fr. Ignatius Valentine
Amen, Fr. Ignatius.
Fr. Peter,
“Yesterday I was buried with You, O Christ. Today I arise with You …”
The above words from the Paschal Canon have been running through my head as I read the wonderful notes from the numerous people who have been touched by your deeds and words. I hope and pray they (the canon and the kind words) will bring your family peace and comfort in this difficult time.
I am immensely thankful that you have been part of my family’s life. I looked forward to your visits to Eagle River because I loved hearing you preach. I looked forward to the House of Studies because I loved hearing you teach. I am grateful for your encouragement after my ordination (I promise to keep being loud enough for everyone to hear). Most of all I am thankful for your faithfulness. I am a member of the second generation. The generation who was brought into the holy Orthodox Church because of the hard work, determination, and faithfulness of our parents. You and your EOC brothers are shining examples of what can be accomplished when one chooses to seek and follow the will of God. The faith of my parents has become my own. You led my parents to the Church, they (and you) have led me, by the grace of God my children will follow.
Thank you.
Dn. John (Joshua) Rogers & family
Fr. Peter, Kh. Marilyn and family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you Father Peter for all the blessed work you have done to His Glory!
Love in Christ,
Fr. Stephen, Kh. Joy, and Aidan Herney
Dear Fr. Peter,
I write to you today to share not only as a Christian Orthodox, but also as an alumni brother of the greatest collegiate fraternity (that of which you have been our most favorite spiritual advisor for many years as well as an alumni brother), that all of our Sigma Alpha Epsilon brotherhood are praying for your recovery, your healing and mostly your wisdom in this difficult time. I enjoyed our brief and entertaining conversations over the years. You truly have given so much to so many organizations, first and foremost spreading the GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST. You are an inspiration to us all and I believe that you will overcome this as you have in the past.
Phi Alpha
Douglas Hamatie
Fr. Peter,
As you probably know, Fr. Jonah of the Taiwan mission successfully had BECOMING ORTHODOX translated into Chinese and published it here. I will be sharing it soon with some Chinese Protestants. So you can see that your efforts and ministry have been a blessing to many, perhaps even farther and wider than you can imagine. I will continue to pray that God will bless you with many more years to be such a blessing.
In Christ,
Timothy Beach
Taichung, Taiwan
Fr. Peter, we only met a few times, but every interaction was always full of grace. Thank you for the time you gave me, and thank you for your apostolic work for Christ. In many ways, because of what you’ve said and written, I became an Orthodox Christian.
Thanks be to God for His great gifts given through you and your faith.
Dear Father Peter,
I hope and I pray that you may become well again. God Bless +
Dearest Fr. Peter,
You have touched our entire family so very deeply. We love our Orthodox faith and it is because of you and your beautiful books that we have this very special faith. We have so enjoyed sharing stories about our similar roots from the Midwest with you and Marilyn. Your presence at Chris and Katie’s wedding in Santa Barbara will never be forgotten.
Thank you for the legacy you have made through so many years to Campus Crusade and Orthodoxy. You have touched more lives than you will ever know.
We pray for you, Marilyn and the family for comfort, peace and trust in Him.
We love you very much,
Bill & Beth Evans
Dear Fr. Peter,
Your book was a stepping stone to our beloved and holy Orthodox faith. And yet it is the loving hospitality you extend to all, your devotion to your wife and family, and your expansive heart and soul, that are the living testament! We thank God for your life and pray earnestly that you and Kh. Marilyn will experience “the peace from above” at this time.
“May the road rise gentle before you. May the rain fall soft upon your field! And , until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His Hand.”
And you will recall part of another prayer, I am sure:
Christ be with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ in me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me…
Christ where I lie, Christ where i sit,
Christ where I arise……
May your salvation, O LOrd
be ever with us.”
There is nothing more I can add to this, except my own heartfelt good wishes for you.
Eleanore
I so remember the encouragement and inspiriation when I heard Peter speak at a camp in Montana so many, many years ago. May you and your family feel the prayers of all the saints on your behalf. may you find comfort, strength and healing in the coming days…and may you all never loose sight of God!
Fr. Peter
You are always in our prayers. May God give you and your family the strength and comfort that only He can give.
With much love and prayers
All of St John the Evangelist
Dear Fr. Peter,
We greet you with a holy kiss.
Please know that you, Kh. Marilyn, and all of your dear family are in our thoughts and prayers. We pray that our merciful Lord will grant all of you peace, comfort, and strength and that all things would be according to His holy will. You have been a great blessing to thousands of people, Fr. Peter. Your ministry is glorious to behold and your life is an example to us all. What a lasting legacy you will leave, not only with your dear wife and children, but within the Holy Orthodox Church in North America, and more specifically within our God-protected Antiochian Archdiocese.
Be assured of our fervent and constant prayers for you and your family, Fr. Peter.
With much love in our saving Lord,
Fr. Michael Tassos, Fr. Jon Fate, and all of the faithful at St. Luke’s in Garden Grove, CA
Fr. Peter,
You and your writings have been a blessing in my life. Our family is praying for you and for your family.
Father Peter and Family
May the Lord give you the strength to make this Holy transition together-as a loving immediate family. Your extended family, which is beyond specific Orthodox Christian groupings, which has been strengthened by your work and example, is praying for you. You are in God’s hands. The members and board of Orthodox Christian Laity are praying for you.
George Matsoukas
Dear Fr.Peter,
Your works were central in our conversions to Orthodoxy. God has blessed so many through you and your passionate love for the flock of His Son, Our Lord. We were so glad to get to meet and talk to you while we were attending St.Athanasius in Goleta. May He pour out His Holy Spirit and bring you comfort and peace during this time. You are always on our minds and in our hearts and prayers.
Love, the Ebert Family
I do not know Fr.Peter in anyway, but heard this news from a facebook friend.
My prayers to all of you, friends family and loved ones in His time of need.
From the sound of it He did many great and wonderful things, may the Lord return that back ten fold!