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.
Father bless!
I’m writing this note on behalf of my husband as well as myself. You are all in our prayers. May God grant all of you peace and alleviate the physical suffering.
[I do hope I was not one of the ones circulating misinformation. A few days ago I copy/pasted Fr. James Bernstein’s email onto my blog and asked for prayers. I will add this link to that post.]
Mat. Anna
We pray without ceasing. We ask the Father, Son and Holy Spirit to heal you and give you a deep calm. Words fail us. We love you.
Cathy and Alex
All Saints
I am praying for you Fr. Gillquist. We had the pleasure of meeting you at our little mission church in Waterloo Ontario Canada a couple of years ago – Fr Christopher R-B is our spiritual father. My husband Richard has met you a few times, in fact and enjoyed stories you told him about Johnny Cash. I will always remember sitting downstairs with you, talking about Christian marriage. Your love and appreciation for your wife was so evident and beautiful – a real encouragement! You said “it just gets better” in regards to marriage. I’ve never had a more encouraging word about marriage, as it clearly came from your heart and your real experience. Thank you for all you have done for the Orthodox in North America. I am a fairly new convert and hearing your story (I listened to one of your lectures on a podcast) about how the Evangelical Orthodox Church came about and was then brought into Orthodoxy had a tremendous impact on me. It was one more evidence that Orthodoxy is the true Church and Christ is drawing us all to it! I am sending my love, appreciation and prayers to you, dear Father.
Dear Fr. Peter, Marilyn and the whole, Gillquist clan,
The prayers of our parish and family are with you all. I don’t have to tell you that the Good Shepherd that you all serve so well is with you. God only knows the extent that your service to Him is a blessing to so many, and that is as it should be. Please know how much Vicky and I appreciate the witness of your lives, your marriage, and especially your much-appreciated encouragement of our own ministry. Please keep us in your prayers as you are in ours.
With much love in Christ,
Fr. Michael and Vicky Nasser and Family
Dear Fr. Peter,
May God grant you and your family strength and comfort. For nearly 20 years now you have given strength and blessings to me and my family, as you helped to plant the first seeds that brought Kh. Melissa and I into the Orthodox Church in Cambridge. And then you so kindly and generously came to help us start a mission (now church!) in College Station, and it was such a blessing that you came to spend an evening in our home.
Please be assured that you all remain in our prayers, and those of the faithful of the St. Silouan Church, that God will bless, strengthen and comfort you always.
Fr. Gregory Gibson
Dear Fr. Peter and Marilyn,
I don’t think I have really ever conveyed the treamendous influence that both you and Marylin have had on our parish, marriage and family. With a deep sense of gratitude we thank you for your blessings, prayers, wisdom, freindship, leadership, belief, encouragement, guidance, direction, counseling, support, ever bright personality, and yes, your booming joy and laughter.
We are fervently praying for all of you and your family.
Love,
Bill and Josie
Fr. Peter,
I was blessed to have met you at the Antiochian House of Studies in August 2005. Your journey to Orthodoxy was truly inspirational to me as I began my own journey to the diaconate. I remember you took time out to speak with me and answer my questions as you made me feel special with your kind words and loving embrace. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Well done good and faithful servant! God Bless You!
Sub-Deacon Christos Hatzopoulos
Fr. Peter, Marilyn and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. One day at a time, Fr. Peter! We have been blessed to have you in our lives and we thank God each day that he brought you “home” to us all those years ago. That you will triumph over this latest obstacle, is our very sincere prayer. May God be with you and all those you love!
Fr. Joe and Diane
Dear Fr. Peter – My wife and I joined the staff of Campus Crusade close to the time that you left staff to begin your adventure into Orthodoxy. I enjoyed hearing you speak at the University of Florida when I lived in Gainesville, FL. You and your book on Orthodoxy played an important role in leading me to eventually be ordained as a priest in the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers ….
Fr. Dean Schultz+
Dear Father, You are in my prayers. Lord have mercy!
Father Peter and Kh. Marilyn,
Our prayers are with you and your family. You have had a special place in our hearts all these years, for helping us to map out a route home to the Orthodox Church, 21 years ago. Many thanks for your encouragement along the way, for your amazing witness to our Lord and His Church, in the highways and hedges. May our good God fill you with His peace, wholeness and blessing.
In Christ, Fr. Isaiah and Kh. Beth Gillette, and the faithful at Fort Riley, KS
Continuing to send love from SB, and prayers for this time to be “painless, blameless, and peaceful”. My heart is breaking with its love for you. Much love, Melissa
Dear Brother in Christ and Friend,
Our community and our Diocese are so very thankful for not only your preaching and leadership, but bringing such an edifying and enlivening presence to the Orthodox Church in this country…indeed throughout the world. You have been an inspiration to myself and many of our brothers & sisters. We treasure the friendship & collaboration of our sons – Fr. Peter John and Deacon Kevin Smith. Please be assured of our prayers and love…always!! God bless you.
In Christ,
Fr. Peter and Mother Terri Smith
Greetings to you in Christ our True God, dear Fr. Peter and Kh. Marilyn–Laborers in the Gospel of our Lord and Lovers of Him whose will it is that all be saved,
Fr. Peter, I love you very much and will always remember you as my dear father in Christ. Thank you for taking our Lord Jesus at His word all of these years and for having the courage to be honest–with yourself, our church, and all those the Lord has placed in your path. Many of us came to know of your journey and marvel at the obvious work of the Holy Spirit. Your life, even now, is an emblem of HOPE… We will ALWAYS remember your fervent desire that all come to know our Lord Jesus Christ, personally, and be saved through His Holy Church. Thank you for sharing your life with me…Thank you for sharing your life with our Holy Orthodox Church…Thank you for sharing your life with all of us…I will always give thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ every time I think of you–you are a true Father to me in the Lord.
For you and for all—Christ is Risen from the dead trampling down death by death and upon those in the tombs bestowing LIFE!
I love you, Father Peter and Khourieh Marylin very, very much…and I am praying for and standing with you during this difficult time, chanting Christos Anesti! Christ is Risen! El Messieh Qam!!!– for you.
Poli agape tou Christou (Very much love in Christ),
Christina Theope Stavros
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Grand Rapids, Michigan
(616) 307-3328 (if you would like to hear the chanting in person…IC XC NIKA!!!)
My wife and I are two among many thousands, I’m sure, whose road to conversion to Orthodoxy was influenced by your work, Father Peter. We send our love and our prayers to you and your family.
Dear Fr. Peter,
God be with you and all of your family. You are where we all will be one day, perhaps even at the finish line of the good race you have run. Only God knows. But have no fear! He knows what you need, He knows what you face and is sufficient to grant you in your weakness all that you need. Much love from all of us in Cambridge. Our prayers are with you. Please remember in yours.
Fr. Antony Hughes
Dear Abouna, I remember like it was yesterday when we began praying for you back in 1999. You had just visited our parish in Mesquite, and blessed us greatly. You so inspired our parishioners, we had steady growth for years. When you visited Denver I will never forget you asking me to drive you over to the Denver Seminary. Un-announced we walked on campus and you stopped in the bookstore and a few offices, then we settled into the library, where students and faculty started coming to visit you. For hours you shared the Orthodox faith, and I knew I was in the presence of a giant. You would have thought they had an audience with the pope. Not just there, but everywhere I have served you have come to my aid. How can I ever thank you? How can I thank your Khouriya and children for sharing you with us? For years and years you have zig zagged across the country to churches large and small sharing the vision of the ancient faith, encouraging us to dream big. I thank our gracious God for allowing me to know you, and to have been in your presence so many times. Be assured of my prayers, and the prayers of Holy Apostles Orthodox Church in Tyler, Texas.
With my deepest love and respect…………….Fr. Michael Hull
Dear Fr. Peter and Family,
Jesus said, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” (Mk 11:23,24) Medicine is not an exact science – doctors are the first to admit that.
Jesus also said, I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (Jn 10:10) All of the lovely comments above and so many wonderful thoughts and prayers that are focused on you these days from around the world proves that just such a life is yours. An abundant life, a victorious life, a blessed life – dear Fr. Peter it is yours now and always. Thank you for all your wonderful work that has touched, edified, directed and taught so many lives from around the world, including mine!
In Christ,
Ann
(Melanie)
Glory to Jesus Christ!
Dear Father Peter,
Thank you for helping to bring me, my family, and our ministry, The King’s Jubilee, home into the Holy Orthodox Church.
May God continue to bless you with grace and peace and wisdom as you continue your journey. Your Minnesota sense of humor should serve you well in these trying times.
Peace,
Cranford Joseph Coulter
Phi Alpha. Brother! Thank you for spending time with me…
Love Bob