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.
GOD BLESS YOU, FR. PETER. You and your family are in my prayers.
Bryan Hartman
Hondo, TX
Fr. Peter,
Please be assured that our prayers are with you, Marilyn and all of your family throughout this time.
So many shared good times come to mind: several of your visits to Charleston, side trips for R & R away from the symposiums, sharing a reprise with many wrapped leaves once carried by Sir Walter Raleigh to England, and too many others to count.
I apologize and ask for your forgiveness for my snoring during our sharing of a room at symposiums (that’s me, Fr. Olof, and not Kh. Eva. God forbid that people think you were sharing a room with her)
God bless you for all that you accomplished in His service! Our love and friendship is eternal!
All of our love,
Fr. Olof & Kh. Eva Scott
Dear Fr Peter,
We continue to pray for you and all of your family at this difficult time. We are so glad that we got to see you and Kh Marilyn recently. As one who helped lead us into Orthodoxy, starting over 40 years ago, you will always remain very dear to our hearts.
With much love,
Dn James and Corinne Elliott
Dear Father Peter and Family:
From our visits to your home and parish in Santa Barbara to the many caring journeys you made to us in San Clemente–in person and by your writing gift–your life and witness inspired (and continues to inspire) countless souls in deeper devotion to Jesus Christ as he is so so brilliantly illuminated and magnified in the church’s Tradition. Your humor and warmth, your way of explaining our shared Faith in a way any person could easily grasp, your midwestern common sense and humanity that cherished persons over things or ideas, inspired (and inspires) us as Christ followers. Your courage, tenacity, concern for truth, laughter and firm leadership has gifted so many with a reconnection to the worship and sacred life of the ancient Christian way–far beyond the now robust conversion movement to Eastern Orthodoxy of which you were a trailblazer. That legacy, and the ongoing work of your family, is deeply appreciated by this parish priest. I could not do what I do every day without your example. We pray to our common Lord that he will deliver you from this scourge for we are confident that nothing can separate us from the love of God that is ours in Christ Jesus. Be encouraged, dear Father Peter, and be comforted all of you who care for this modern saint.
Blessings to you all,
Kenneth Tanner+
Pastor
Church of the Holy Redeemer
Rochester Hills, Michigan
Dearest Father Peter,
We have been praying for all of you continually and are dearly hoping that the prayers of the Church are bringing each of you peace, hope, and sustaining grace in this sacred season. I love you so much, and you have not left my mind and heart for a second. I have always though that you and my sweet dad would be the best of friends one day:)….you remind me SO much of him, including your devotion to God and to loving people. Please know that both Mitch and I are wrapping you ALL in prayerful hugs daily and you all mean so very much to us.
How beautiful that your first great grandson will be blessed to have both your name and my precious father’s…..what a wonderful inheritance you have given to him:)!!! I look SO forward to the joyful reunion in the near future. I hope that’s alright for me to say.
May the God of all Love, and Comfort, give you Peace.
ALL our love,
Mitch and Trenna Berry
it was so wonderful seeing Mary with her little baby belly!!!!! Peter is such a great name…. ;o)
Jason Epperson: This message is left on behalf of Odette Nassar, who was unable to access the internet herself:
Fr. Peter and Kh. Marilyn,
You are precious to me. Thank you for all you have done for Christ’s Church. God will surely remember you in His Kingdom.
In Christ,
Odette Nassar
There is nothing we could say that has not already been said and been said better than we might. We are able to say “We have found the true faith” because, by God’s grace, we followed godly men and their families. The first time I was in a room with the Gilquist family, and every time since, I have been humbled by the honor. Thank you.
Wishing in this time of need God’s Grace and most choicest blessings for His servant Fr. Peter! “By their fruit you will recognize them,” said the Lord, and by your fruit you are known! Fr. Peter, we had the blessing (mine, of course) to spend some brief time talking following an OCF meeting in Jacksonville in early 2011, I believe. I had the great blessing of shooting the breeze with you for just over an hour at the Jacksonville airport as we awaited the departure of our respective flights. I got to share with you how a “cradle” began to be truly convinced about the authenticity of his faith at the age of sixteen, by a “convert” who wrote an amazing, personal memoir of a real journey to Orthodox Christianity, and how much it began to steer me towards truth and the reception of it in my future life. I pray that the Lord grant you peace and salvation, and for the blessing to see you in-person again, if the Lord will judge me worthy, since I am rather certain, through knowledge of your fruit, that He has already found you worthy! Praying always for your health, happiness and salvation, I remain…
Your Servant in Christ,
Fr. Michael J. Ellis
OCF Great Lakes Regional Chaplain
Priest – Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Mansfield, OH
May the Lord continue to bless, save and protect you and your family during this time of suffering. Thank you for your continuing great work and prayers for our Holy Orthodox Church.
Galina
My father, who departed this life in April of this year, told me he converted because of hearing you speak here in Shreveport, Father Peter. You are also a huge reason for the starting of our mission and the rekindling of a fire in the hearts of this and many other cradle Orthodox Christians. You will always be an important part of our Archdiocese and Orthodoxy in America in general, as well as remembered in daily prayers by many, many faithful. Our prayers are for God’s mercy for you and your family and for peace and the grace to endure what trials lie ahead. We love you and will be keeping you in our hearts, minds and prayers…..
Sorry for the misspelling, Cathryn.
A beautiful post, Catherine.
Fr. Peter,
In the Fall of 1975 while visiting the un-named and random flock of Gordon Walker, you preached on “Bloom where you are Planted”. A sermon, a challenge, to stop bouncing from group to group – to lay down some roots and begin to produce fruit in the Kingdom of God. That sermon changed my life and lead ultimately to the One Holy Catholic and Orthodox Church. Had it not been for you, Fr. Gordon and the others who stepped out in faith those many years ago there is no telling where or what shape I would be in today.
May God grant you His Peace,
Dn. Edward
Dear Father Peter,
Your own journey and your book have been very inspirational to me during my own continuing journey to Orthodoxy. And I have been blessed to worship alongside you and your family during my many visits to All Saints in Bloomington. I am praying for you and your family.
With love in our Lord Jesus Christ,
John Walsh
Dear to God, Fr. Peter,
For almost 40 years our lives have been intertwined, most of that from a distance. We have been blessed more than we can express by your determination and joy in the journey to the Kingdom of God. We owe you more than we could ever return. May the God of All Mercy give you peace, comfort, and the Bosom of Abraham!
Dear Fr. Peter and Kh. Marilyn,
Your journey into Holy Orthodoxy helped to guide our own. We are eternally grateful for your tremendous witness to the power of God and the His Church. We do, indeed, thank God with every remembrance of you. We look for the life of the world to come with you.
Jeff & Elizabeth Miller
To my dearest Father Peter,
Would that I might comfort you as you once comforted me when I needed it most. My heart is with you and I thank you for the rich and spirit-filled dynamic you brought with you into our Holy Orthodox Church. You will always be – for evermore – a vital part of the history of Orthodoxy in this land.
My love and prayers are with you and your blessed family always.
Offering prayers for peace and comfort for a priest who has touched and changed so many lives, and for all those who love and care for him.
Fr. Peter, Marilyn, family and all who love you,
Be assured of our continued prayer for healing, strength and peace. This is offered up both by us, and by the entire St. Ananias Orthodox Church family in Evansville. As this mission is one among the many that you helped plant, it can truly be said that yours is an apostolic work, for “your voice has gone forth like a trumpet”; and many have been blessed thereby.
Fr. Daniel, Kh. Carole Hackney and family
Dear Fr. Peter,
We met you long ago, in Washington, DC, when you were in the midst of making your way to the Orthodox Church. Your journey, and that of so many with you, has always been an inspiration to us. We have given copies of Becoming Orthodox to many seekers, and know that it has blessed many. We thank God for your ministry. May the peace of our Lord be with you and your family as you face this journey, in the firm knowledge of His grace, mercy, and salvation.
Love,
Von and Patricia