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.
Blessing Father, and to you dear wife,
May God comfort you and give you peace. I love you and am thankful for all your good works.
Forgive me,
Sr Thekla
We are praying for you and for your family in this time of illness. You have touched the lives of so many; my God be your comfort at this time and always!
Love in Christ,
Joe and Suzy Hadeed
Dear Fr. Gilchrist,
May God grant you the peace and joy that surpasses a human understanding during this great trial in you life. I thank God for sparing your life since 1999 and I pray that His Grace and Mercy be made manifest to you and those closest to you. I pray that that the physicians and ancillary staff make all the right decisions for your treatment.
God’s blessings to you and your family and friends.
Yours In Christ,
Rocco (St. George Cathedral, Pgh, Pa.)
Gillquist family-
Much love and many prayers from your Eagle River family.
Six years ago, our then 16 yr old son Thomas, had been diagnosed with stage 3B Hodgkins Lymphoma. Nothing could prepare us for news of this magnitude, especially THIS mom.
We all felt the comfort of many prayers for our family during those six months of treatment in Seattle. Each day also had it’s own roller-coaster of emotions to contend with.
Thomas just celebrated his 23rd birthday in May and a few days later he walked for hours, mostly alone he said, throughout the night, ( in the land of the midnight sun- mixed with light rain ), around a track for the local Relay for Life, cancer fundraiser. He said the longer he walked, the more energized he felt. He had nothing but time in the wee hours to contemplait his own experiences .
My hope for your family is to experience the comfort of love from friends who love you and are most appreciative of your family’s service and sacrifices for the past 40 + years.
Always,
Laurie Snider
Mom, Dad.. remember Laurie is our Peter Jon’s godmother. ;o)
Dear Fr. Peter,
An icon of St. Nektarios – just like the one I sent to my father last year- is on its way to you from Greece. May it be a help to you in your fight against those cancerous cells – just as the one my father cherished was to him.
Blessings and love to your whole family,
Ann
Keeping you and the family in our thoughts and prayers. Glad you can be surrounded by them through this, and please know that in spirit and prayer you are surrounded by all of us who have had the priveledge of having you in our lives. Lord Have Mercy
Two things loom large …
1) The wife and I had been married 6 years when we converted to Orthodoxy — marital effort, hospital tests … nothing. So much so that Amy took St Elizabeth as her patron, thinking she was barren. Fr Peter, very confidently, said: “Oh! You want a baby? Well, there’s a prayer for that.” And, following Liturgy in Asheville NC, he said the prayer over us. We did what was expected … three weeks later we were expecting. God is (always) good; thank you, Fr Peter, for your faith and prayer.
2) Eighteen years (and 3 kids) later, having attended my first Missions and Evangelism Conference in 1993, I got to “share the stage” with Fr Peter for the Conference in Dallas this past January. Should the Lord allow healing, we’ll do it again. If the Lord has other plans, well … there’s a prayer for that. In the meantime, of your charity:
Pray on, Fr Peter, pray on.
— Fr Joseph Huneycutt
Fr. Peter, Kh. Marilyn, and family,
Our love and prayers are with you. May the Lord extend His healing touch and remove all of your Cancer, and also help you not to be in pain. You all are very special to us, we love you so much. May God Bless you all.
Love In Christ,
Marvin & Alice
Beloved Fr. Peter, Kh. Marilyn, and family,
You are all in our prayers each time we pray throughout the day. We pray that the Lord will extend His healing touch to you Fr. Peter, and take away all of your Cancer, and also for you not to be in pain. We both love you, Kh Marilyn, and your entire family so very much. You are all very special people. Marvin ithanks you for all the blessings you have prayed over him. We hope to come to see you in the hosp. Marvin is still in great pain in both hips. None of the medications are helping. May God Bless us all.
Love In Christ,
Marvin & Alice
Fr. Peter,
Your book, “Becoming Orthodox” helped lead me into the Orthodox Church! I met you in 1994 in Columbia, SC. You were gracious and spent a good amount of time talking to me and answering my questions about the church. Shortly thereafter we started a mission which is now St. Barnabas Church in Lexington, SC, where Fr. Gregory Rogers is now the pastor. You visited us again a few years ago and I reminded you of our first meeting. I mentioned that I read “Becoming Orthodox” for three years (many times over of course) before converting. With your quick wit, you said I must be a slow reader! Thank you for your writings, visits and all the hard work you have done to help spread the Orthodox Faith! Our prayers are certainly with you and all your family!
We send our prayers to you and your family.
Fr. Peter, Kh. Marilyn:
God bless you. Kh. Nancy and I are saddened but prayerful. We have such good memories of time together, whether it was talking about Church growth and evangelism or Johny Cash.
I remember many of the sermons you preached at St. John’s in Eagle River, I am stealing one tomorrow on Mephibosheth.
I have such a burning memory of the first time I read “Becoming Orthodox” and how it changed my life. I was a PCA pastor and called you on the phone. I was surprised to actually speak with you.
Your guidance at that crucial time was so important. I like thousands of others became Orthodox in part after reading your works or hearing you speak.
I marveled at listening to you at the House of Studies at AV. Teaching from the Bible like a Baptist. I learned so much.
I/we will always be thankful to you for your faithfulness, your compassion, your zeal for Jesus Christ.
We are honored that we had you in our home a few times and cherish the memories.
There are so many things I would like to say to you both. Our prayers are with you. You are on my diskos. God visit and heal His servant.
God bless you both.
Dear Father Peter and Kh. Marilyn,
You and your family have meant so much to so many – from those you inspired directly or from afar, you have been a tall pillar of hope and love, a shining example of a Christian disciple. You and your family are beloved in our family, and we are praying for you deeply from the heart. May God grant you peace and comfort and the grace that only He can give.
We love you, Father Peter !
Constantine and Mandy Nasr
Dear Father Peter and Marilyn,
Frederica and our whole parish join me in praying to Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that He may receive Fr Peter into His merciful arms so that in His Divine Presence Father Peter may Him give thanks and praise with the Holy Mother of God, St Peter the Apostle and all the Saints throughout eternity. And we ourselves give thanks from our hearts for the great gift to the Church and to us personally that Father Peter has been in so many, many ways. We are thankful because Father himself, more than any other single person, paved the way for us to become Orthodox and form a mission parish. Countless times I would answer the telephone in the early days of our parish and hear Father’s genuinely caring voice: “How ya’ doin’?” The Pastor’s Pastor was there to help! Further, we are thankful for Father Peter and Marilyn’s personal friendship and loving concern for us and our family, and for the many ways (too many to count!) that they have together shone us the love of Christ Himself. Glory to God for all things!
Fr Gregory Mathewes-Green
Dear Fr. Peter, Kh. Marilyn & family,
We are loving you and praying for you from afar. Fr. Peter, we’ve only met you a few times, but your books, your writings & your influence have guided us on our Orthodox journey. We will never be the same. Thank you for your pioneering efforts & for blazing a trail that many have followed. We trust you to our Lord’s loving care, mercy, stength, peace, and perfect will. Our Lord is only good!
Ron and Judy
Fr. Peter,
Please be assured of the continued prayers of St. Luke the Evangelist Church in Chagrin Falls. OH at this time. To have the love and comfort of your family around you at this time is a great blessing!
-Fr. Matthew Thurman
We love you, Fr. Peter! Our prayers for your comfort go out to you.
You are medicine for me when I am sick.
You are my strength when I need help.
You are life itself when I fear death.
You are the way when I long for heaven.
You are light when all is dark.
You are my food when I need nourishment! Amen.
– Ambrose of Milan (340-397)
Fr. Peter, we fondly remember the first time we met back when we were in Ukiah, late 1970’s, and just beginning to learn about Orthodoxy and the start of our journey. Your faithfulness and commitment to us then, and ever since, has been a remarkable example of Christian love and leadership,and we will forever be grateful for all that you have done for us, and for our kids, in all you have done. Our prayers are with you and the entire family constantly now for God’s grace,mercy, and comfort.
With love, Dn. Rick and Nancy Billings
Dear Fr. Peter, Marilyn and Family:
In 1963, at Arrowhead Springs Hotel, I sat in an evening meeting and after hearing “Pete Gillquist” and “Jon Braun” speak, I said to myself, “That’s who I want to be when I grow up!” 33 years later, having written a letter to Consiliar Press about our journey to Orthodoxy, “Fr. Peter Gillquist” called me and our life was forever changed. Today I am an Archpriest in the Holy Orthodox Church. God answered the prayer of that twenty-year-old UCLA student. Stories like this, certainly different in their details, about the significant place Fr. Peter has had in the lives of people, introducing them to “the faith once and for all delivered to the saints” are virtually innumerable. But in each of them Fr. Peter stands a true example of what it means to be a Christian.
Since we just recently heard of your present diagnosis, our hearts join with yours and our prayers ascend in your behalf. You and your family have meant and will always mean a great deal to us. How can we ever thank you for the role you have played in bringing us home to the Church where “death has been destroyed by death” and has become a doorway to our eternal home, “precious in the sight of the Lord.” We love you, praying for you and yours fervently.
Yours in Christ, Fr. Joseph and Kh. Robin Corrigan
Dear to Christ, Father Peter,
Thank you for showing the love of Christ for the 35 years our family has known you. You and Marilyn were so gracious to open up your home for a “home church” in Isla Vista, CA and also the tireless hours you spent on the road spreading the gospel.
Several years ago, Lisa and I had the honor to pick you up at your motel to take you down to church to speak. To this day, I remember stepping into your motel room and feeling like I had walked into church with your icons placed throughout your room and particularly on your dresser which was transformed into an altar.
Thank you for always backing up your authored books by your own life thinking of the book the Physical Side of Being Spiritual that day long ago where a lowly Best Western motel room was transformed into the temple of the Living God.
May the peace of Christ continue to surround you, Marilyn and your beloved children.
The unworthy deacon richard