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.
Dearest Fr. Peter and Kh. Marilyn,
Wrapping you in the arms of the Mother of God and keeping you in constant prayer for peace and courage as you journey through this valley. God is with you! Glory to God forever and for His perfect will. Love, Carla
My Dear Brother Peter,
It is with a sense of very deep sorrow that you are leaving us. For so many years you have meant so much to my family and I. Yet in your trial we are reminded that “the joy of the Lord is our strength.” Knowing that this life is but a gateway to an infinitely deeper and more fulfilling one. One in which by God’s Grace we will all be reunited – forevermore. My wife Kh. Martha (Bonnie) and I as well as our children and their families (the Sommers and the Currys) are praying for you and your loved ones – for mercy, love and courage.
My very dear brother and friend, farewell.
Be assured of our prayers and the prayers of our community of St. Timothy in Lompoc. We pray for God’s Mercy for dear Father Peter, Kh. Marilyn and all your family at this time.
Please be assured of my prayers and those of our whole Indianapolis community in for Father Peter and all his family. We are at your disposal to help in any way you can use us. You have been a teacher and an inspiration. God bless you, easing your pain and giving you quality time with your family.
Dear Fr. Peter, you and your beloved family are always in our prayers and thoughts. We commemorate you at the Prothesis and pray God grant you grace and peace. We will be praying for you this weekend at the Diocese of New England Parish Life Conference.
Dear Fr. Peter and Khouriya, You are always in our hearts and prayers.
With respect in Christ our only hope and healer,
Dear Fr.Peter
Words cannot express our gratitude to Holy God for allowing us to hear about the Holy Orthodox Church from your writings and personal conversations. Our sincerest prayers are that the Holy Spirit will be your comfort and peace in these difficult days and if in The Holy Will of God that you will be healed, that your health will be restored.
Don and Karen West, Portland, OR
Dear Fr. Peter and Khouria Marilyn,
We will pray for you and your family in earnest! When we first met you and heard you speak, you inspired us with your joy in the Lord and with your strong faith. We join with many others in thanking God for your ministry, in sickness and in health! May the love, encouragement and life-giving faith that you have shared with us all, return to you a hundred-fold!
Often think about your trip to the Orthodox Chaplain’s Retreat in Germany, and the impact that your ministry has had for the Orthodox Church. I remember you in the Officer’s Club, the tour of Bonn and the wineland, as well as the Ice Cream Sunday and the German Coke-a-Cola glasses. You and Marilyn are in our prayers and love, May our Lord strength you and heal you that you may a complete and speedy recovery.
Fr. Nick
My dear brother Peter, My life has been so enriched by knowing you and all that you have been to our beloved Church. You have made history for us and we will forever be grateful. You not only stand tall amoung us, you inspire all of us to “rise, and expand and seek God unemcumbered.” Take courageous and continue to “fight the good fight”. My love and prayers are with you co-celebrant of the Holy Altar.
Your Brother in Christ,
Fr. George Rados
Dear Fr. Peter. You are, and always have been an inspiration to me and to so many others…and are a model of faithful obedience and service to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We love you and are praying for you and your family as they travel to be with you. Please remember us in your prayers as well, that God will keep us strong and consistently consistent in our faith and daily struggle. Your son, Fr. Jim King Jr.
Fr. Peter and family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Your kindness,warmth, and support for our family, and your joyous spirit is a blessing for all who know you. May God support, and help you, and may His compassionate Grace heal you.
We send hugs from afar.
Diana and Craig
Dear Fr. Peter,
We pray for you and your family that the Physician of our Soul and Body will give you healing and comfort. Your life in missions and your countless publications about life in the Orthodox faith have touched the lives of so many. May God continue to give you strength now and forever!
Dearest in Christ, Fr Peter and Marilyn:
Matushka joins me in praying for you both, as does our family and parish. May God continue to bless and keep you, giving you a good issue out of all your sufferings for His glory.
Fr John
Dear Peter and Marilyn,
You have both been so dear to me for the last 60 years or so, and have meant so much in my life. You have lived such a wonderful, God-directed life together and have been blessed with such a beautiful family. I know that God is with you now just as He has been all these years. My thoughts and prayers are with you every day. My children send you their love and support, too.
With much love to you both,
Carolyn
Fr. Peter, Sue and I are praying for you. Fr. Hans
God be with you Fr. Peter. You and your family are in our prayers and thoughts during this time. May Christ, our true physician, watch over you now and in the days to come.
In Christ,
Fr. Thomas Zain
Vicar-General
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
Dear Father Peter,
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers for complete healing of soul and body. I just sent your name out for prayer to over 90 prayer partners, including monastics and priests. God bless you for the wonderful work you have accomplished in our Lord’s Vineyard!
With much love,
Damon and Carol
Fr. Peter and Marilyn :
You are as always in our thoughts and prayers, and now even more, much love from our family to yours.
Rouba, as always, has the sense and grace to speak first. Your love and Christian witness have meant so much to our family. It would take so many words were I to start. You are very much in our prayers.
Dearly beloved Fr. Peter and Khouria Marilyn,
I pray for and trust Our Lord for a miracle. May Fr. Peter be blessed with a speedy and complete recovery.
In Christ,
Teresa