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.
May the Holy Angels surround you and your family; may they guide you before God’s throne according to His mercy. The peace and presence of God be with you always. +Metropolitan Nicholas
Dearest Fr. Peter,
You and your family will always be so dear to me and my prayers are with you. You have always been a shining light for so many people. I cherish all of the memories from the many years I’ve known you and am so thankful to have been blessed with that honor. God Bless you and your family! -Mary
Dearest Father Peter,
As a new catechumen in the Orthodox church, I would like to thank you for your years of dedication and for your willingness to be used by the Holy Spirit in sharing not only the Gospel, but in sharing your journey to Orthodoxy. Your story has really helped my husband and me in our discovery of the One Holy and Apostolic Church. We are the parents of 6 children, and we have been protestants now for over 20 years. Lord willing, we will be baptized into the church and our marriage will be crowned after the Fast of the Dormition. Our lives have been so enriched by the vast treasure to be found in Orthodoxy and you, kind and faithful sir, have been a key element in us finding our footing on this new soil. We are continually keeping you and your dear dear family in our prayers. May your every hour be filled with the presence and the knowledge of our ever loving Holy Trinity.
To God be the Glory in all things,
Julie Paine
Marysville, WA
Dear Fr Peter:
Your kindest and first words to me were at St John the Evangelist Orthodox Church in Beaver Falls in front of the sanctuary. You said to me: “There is room for you too.” You were very welcoming as your life and ministry have been. I am grateful always for your faithfulness. Pat and I will be crowned tomorrow (June 23) and ordination to the deaconate will follow in the coming months.
We pray for all of you daily. God be with us all
Ron and Pat Moslener
Dear Father Peter,
Your book was the first Orthodox literature I ever read, and it helped to introduce me to the Orthodox faith I now love. From that point I was to improve not only my walk with God, but also the theology and practice of Elijah House Ministries, which I help to lead. Thank you so much for being a part of that! I pray that you rest in God’s arms, and that no disease will determine the time of your going to be with our loving Father. Let it be only in His timing.
In Him,
Mark Sandford.
Hello Father Peter:
We have never met, but your testimony and ministry from your book and the ministry of your friend Father Basil (Caldaroni) have changed my life. My God’s peace and blessing be upon you.
Dearest Fr. Peter,
Lo those many years ago you met with an amazing group of men on the little island (San Juan Island) where I grew up and where I read your book. (I’d like to know where that cabin is:-)). What beautiful, delicious fruit you have borne for all of us to taste. Fruit from heaven itself . We are praying that our loving and merciful God, with all His Saints and His most Holy and Blessed Mother grant you and your family good strength and courage and peace beyond measure. We love you and thank God for you. We are praying and ask you to remember all of us as well.
In Christ,
Juliana and all the Cutshall family
I have asked St. Thekla to remember you in her prayers. We are loving you and praying for you from Santa Barbara. May you all have His comfort at such a difficult time.
Our dear Father Peter and beloved Kh. Marilyn, you are in our hearts and in our constant prayer. What joy having you as part of our parish in Bloomington in recent times. Before that you were words on the pages of your writings. We have been blessed by both. Deacon and Marcia
We pay to our Lord and the Panagia …to heal, comfort , guide and fortify Father Peter and and his family…….for now and the ages to come
Father I am praying for you.
Dear Fr. Peter and Marilyn,
We love you and pray that God will grant you the peace that passes understanding. Thank you for who you are and all you’ve done for us, especially your prayers for Jesse. Your presence in our lives has been a divine gift.
In Christ,
Craig, Jenny, Jared, Gabe, Jesse, and Lucy
I hope you get my message of love and that someone will give you a big squeeze for me…my prayer is for peace for the whole wonderful Gillquist family – and if you will Fr. Peter -please lift us all up before the Lord when you meet Him. “Threaten me with Heaven, that’s all they can do.” (Vince Gill) I love you, Junee
Fr. Peter, Our first visit to the Evangelical Orthodox Church was on a Sunday you were visiting the small EOC flock in Seattle in the Summer of 1981. As we heard you share your “stories from the road” of how the Holy Spirit was opening the hearts and minds of others to seek the fullness of God’s Kingdom, we both knew that we had found the Church community we were looking for. Six years later, we were blessed to have you concelebrate the Divine Liturgy with Metropolitan PHILIP as he received us into the Holy Orthodox Faith. With heartfelt appreciation we thank you for how you have taught us, guided us, and touched us through your pastoral visits, your books, and your words. We pray for you and your family at this time. With love always, Protodeacon Philip & Dna. Cindy Jenson (St. Paul Orthodox Church, Brier WA)
Dear Peter & Marilyn,
Your friendship has been so precious and spiritually meaningful to
us for the past 50+ years! We will be praying for our Lord’s grace,
presence & peace to be with you both, and with your wonderful family.
With our love and prayers,
Ken & Jo
Beloved of God Fr. Peter and Kh. Marilyn,
Your leadership, love, prayers, and support have meant so much to us these
last 30 years. You now have the love and prayers of so many who love you.
May our Lord have mercy on you and give you and your precious family His peace.
Dn. Tim and Deb
Father Peter,
I want to tell you that I am thankful I know you. I appreciate all the labors you have undertaken to help us discover and remain in the correct faith of Orthodoxy. I ask your forgiveness for any disrespectful or idle words I have ever directed toward you. Pray for us here in this life and if you should go to the next life before us – as a true leader – pray for us there in the place you have so earnestly desired for youself and everyone you’ve known. This is motivating me to pray for other people again – I will make a prayer list tonight and you’ll be on it.
Father Bless,
John Casey Shannon
Also one of the first memories I have from my childhood was crossing the street from the Wallace’s home in Isla Vista and visiting you. Your home was always a place of comfort and peace – I pray that it is always this way wherever your home may be.
Dear Fr. Peter and Khouria Marilyn,
May God grant you and your family peace, and may he richly reward you for your service in His Church. We thank you and keep you in our prayers,
The Dooleys
Fr. Peter and Marilyn,
We love you and hold you in our thoughts and prayers. Your love and faith have always been an inspiration to us.
Elijah and Amanda
Dearest Father Peter and Kr Marilyn,
We are praying that God will ease your pain and grant you healing. Your faith and leadership has been such an inspiration to us and so many people in the Orthodox Church around the world. We want you to know that we are so grateful for your love and friendship over the last 40 years. May Christ, the Great Healer and Physician, watch over you and your family.
Sending all our love,
Dn. Howard and Gail