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.
Dear Fr Peter,
Thank you for all that you have done for the Orthodox community. You and your wife Marilyn have been a blessing in my life. I will pray for you every day.
With love in Christ,
Rachel
Dear Fr. Peter—
I have only this morning learned of your cancer’s return (someone just posted a link on our listserv at St. Mark OCA in Bethesda). I am yet another whose life you so profoundly influenced through both your writings and talks, which I was privileged to attend in the DC area. My journey to Orthodoxy was much aided by your book “Becoming Orthodox.” As a cradle Catholic who had spent years in the Protestant world, I was especially helped by your chapter on Mary, the Mother of God (and our mother). Thank you for your fidelity to Christ and for your labors in His vineyard—I am indebted to you!
I, too, am battling Stage IV cancer (breast), and I am most calmed and lifted when the Holy Spirit brings to mind this verse from I Corinthians: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (I Cor. 2:9). And Isaiah 41:10 is a strong second in terms of keeping my heart fixed on our Lord. I’m sure you have it committed to memory, but because God’s words never return to Him void, I will type them out: “Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”
You HAVE fought the good fight, you HAVE finished the race…my prayers are with you and your family as you make this journey toward beholding the face of God. May the Holy Spirit comfort you and yours at every step of the way, and may He show you how very fruitful your life has been in Christ!
With love in Him,
Cathy Tatusko
Dear Father Peter,
We want you to know that we are always thinking of you. You are a gracious, hospitable, kind and loving priest, man, and father. We have learned so much from your teachings over the years and are holding you close in prayer. We appreciate your and Marilyn’s gracious hospitality and thank you for welcoming us and our family so genuinely into yours. You are always in our heart. God bless you!
Love,
Barbara and Lloyd
Dear Father Peter and Marilyn, Tom and I are so grateful to Penny B. for letting us know about this website. You are all in our constant prayers, with much love, and happy and grateful memories…from rides in your wonderful convertible and meeting on the street in NYC, to the gift of your friendship in many ways through the years. I hope this note gets through to you, as I’m not sure I’m doing it right.Much love, Lovelace and Tom
Dearest Fr. Peter, Kh. Marilyn and the whole Gilguist clan!
Bless me Fr. Peter!
May God continue to give you strength to bear witness to His Glory, mercy and Love! We are all praying for you here at the monastery every day! And will continue to walk with you in prayer as you have always been with us in your prayers too! On a personal note…I will always cherish the encouragement and joy you have always shared with me and hope somehow I can pass that on to others. God Bless us all…..Love in Christ, Mother Galina
The lampada iin front of the icon of the Theotokos in our home prayer corner is burning for you and your family Father. May her prayers lead you into the eternal light and life of Jesus.
Father Peter
Thank you for your ministry and being you. You were so instrumental in my journey, in dn. Alex’s journey, and so many people here in State College. My daughter was drinking some water in the “Church Brew Works” glass from Pittsburgh you gave Alex the other day and it made me smile thinking of you. We love you. -Jen Cadman
The lampada in front of the icon of the Theotokos in our home prayer corner is burning for you and your family. May it symbolise the eternal light into which she guides us by her intercessions. If you get to heaven before I do, please pray for me. And if I get there before you do, I’ll pray for you, Father!
I am so overcome with sorrow that I don’t know what to say.
I only heard you in person once – when you came to tell us about the completed Orthdodox Study Bible. I have given so many away.
My husband (not Orthodox) read your book Becoming Orthodox, and while he hasn’t converted, when we took a trip to Alaska the one place he really wanted to see was Eagle River.
You have touched out lives. I am so grateful. I pray that God will bless you as He has blessed us through you. And that you and your family will experience the peace that passes all understanding.
Dear Father Peter, Kh. Marilyn and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please know that we love you and thank you for all you have done for
our Archdiocese. May God grant you comfort and peace.
Sinerely, Don and Lillian Meena and Family
Dearest Fr. Peter, Kh. Marilyn and family,
Although I already wrote you through Greg, but I’m again thinking of and praying for you all. I am comforted by a passage of St. Nikolai Velimirovich and hope it comforts you, too:
“…there is a hidden, imperishable treasure which every heir of that blessedness carries within himself. He carries it wrapped in perishable fabric. It is a tiny, flickering flame of love for the Lord God. This little flame of love does not die out with the death of physical fabric, but lives and glows. Heroic souls heroically protect it, lest shifting winds extinguish it in the course of the journey. With this flame of love righteous souls are deemed worthy to come out before the face of the living God, clothed in a resurrected heavenly body. This is the price. For this tiny gift to God, lovers of God will receive as gifts in return the kingdom, sonship, and eternal life. In a word – Paradise. ”
Thank you for loving God, loving each other and loving all of us. —
My prayers are with you Fr. Peter and kh Marilyn, Fr. Peter Jon and your entire family.
I pray for a full recovery
Fr. Peter,
( Sarcastic humor alert )
Too bad nobody likes you.
Isn’t it absolutely AMAZING from reading this site how many lives have been changed by you and how you and Marilyn have touched so many people all over the lower 48 and Alaska ?
The first time I ever saw you was in Indpls in 1978 at a large convention with the E.O.C. and a very large group of parishoners from the midwest. You and your family had driven up from TN in a large brown vehicle. I had gone back home to Indy to visit my family for a month after spending a
year in Eagle River, AK living @ the big house. ( Indy had been my home for 10 yrs )
I have now been here in AK 35 years and remember how excited we all were when you would come up here to teach. I remember you talking about mutual respect between spouses with the husband being a king and for him to think of his wife as a queen. ( Or in my case, a ” domestic goddess “) The other important comment you had made was how Swedish women made the best coffee ! Ya sure youbetcha.
As you know I do have another connection to your family as well. My adorable godson, Peter Jon. Love him ! He has become my little buddy over the past ten years.
I am still amazed he wants to sit next to me during liturgy at his age. Your son Greg tells him to call me ” Grandma ” instead of godmama.
Isn’t he a hoot.
We all think about you and your family often. Prayers are said for your comfort, especially now.
Much love always,
Laurie Snider
Father Peter,
You came to Maranatha North in Eagle River, Alaska in 1974 and taught us how to sing with Spirit. We are eternally grateful for your visit, your work and your memory with us. We are also very grateful for your son and my very close friend, Greg. You and your family are in our prayers!
In Christ,
Joe Dunham
Dear Father Peter and Khouria Marilyn, Fr. Peter Jon and family: I am praying with you, with the prayers of St. Nektarios and our Holy Mother. May she cover you with her mantle and comfort you and keep you. So much love! Kelly
Dear Fr. Peter,
I remember the “olden days” of joining the EOC with all the faithful of Holy Orthodox Church, Ben Lomond, CA, after we had moved into the present site of Sts. Peter & Paul and suddenly found ourselves without a pastor. It was before we were chrismated into the Antiochian church. I remember meeting you and discovering that we both had back problems. Years later here at St. John’s in Eagle River, when I saw you for the first time since marrying Joe Dunham and moving here, you greeted me with “How’s your back?” I was happy to report that all was well and amazed that you would remember after so many years.
I am saddened to hear that the cancer returned and it is taking you from us. My prayers are with you, your beloved Kr. Marilyn, and all your family. Please pray for me when you come into the joyful light of Christ and all the saints. I am still on the path, feel unworthy but grateful to be sojourning with my Joseph and the faithful at St. John’s.
Yours In Christ,
Tisha
Dear Fr. Peter,
I am sorry to hear about your illness. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Your labours in His service count a great deal before Christ. Get well soon.
Issa Zoghbi
Fr. Peter,
Thank you so much for coming to St. Peter’s 25th Anniversy Celebration! It was a great encouragment to old and young, new comers and old timers alike. We also thank God for your ministry over all these years. By far, the one book that has had the most impact on our lives for both Sharon and myself is Love is Now. Like many others, we have been praying for you often especially over these last few years, and will continue to do so. Please pray for us all, now and in the future.
Fr. James and Sharon
Hi Father Peter it’s Travis Shannon calling from Morgan Stanley with a stock tip. Buy defense stocks: Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman. High dividend yields and low price to earnings ratios. The reason I recommend these companies is because they are a lot like you in many regards but mostly because you are a fighter and you have always delivered huge dividends to all those around you. The Lord has blessed you and your family for many years and I will always remember the twinkle in your eyes and your incredible voice. We love you! See you soon. The Shannons
Fr. Peter Senior, Fr. Peter Jon and family.
Bless! We had no knowledge of the illness until we saw a posting this evening on FB. Like the tardy workers in the vineyard, we nuns at St. Xenia Monastic Community now add our small prayers to blanket of prayer that surrounds you. God’s peace!
In Christ,
unworthy nun Katherine