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.
Father, may God keep you and your family in His care, give you the grace to get through this difficult time and bring you closer to Him; may the Lord Jesus Christ shine through you and the Holy Spirit shower you with inner strength. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. (Mother of God Mission, NJ)
Father,
You are in my prayers. I don’t if you remember me but I was the cathechumen you met 3 years ago this coming Christmas in the narthex of St. Barnabas where you Deacon Tom said that I was really excited because I had just picked (or been picked!) my patron saint. Tom told you that even though it was the beginning of December I was really excited already about Chrysmation when you said, “Oh, I guess they haven’t told you about the circumcision ceremony.”
We all laughed so hard…well, except inside I was wonder! ;-))
Please know that you are in my prayers and I love you.
My heart and prayers go out for Fr. Peter and his family. I don’t know how to imagine my life in the church without the Gillquist family as a pillar of our community. Teaching, leading, just living the example of a christian family running the race. I pray for healing and comfort, but I know the Fr. Peter has peace no matter the earthly outcome.
My heart goes out to the Gillquist family which includes the many, many Orthodox Christians who look to Fr. Peter as one does a father. Thank you for your part in pointing me down the path of Orthodoxy.
I want to thank you, Fr. Peter Jon, for maintaining this website for your father and family. This has been not only a way for his dear friends to send their love and gratitude to him but also to tell people like me who never knew the extent of his influence on so many people. He is certainly a life-changer!
Peter Jon, you have certainly surpassed my expectations of you when I taught you in 5th and 6th grade at I.V. School. So much of what you have become is due to the influence and help from your father and from your mother Marilyn, who was my very important partner and aide in my classroom for all those years.
My heart is heavy, my eyes are tearing, but I know all of your family has come together to help your dad during this time. God bless you all and give you peace.
Father Peter, you have been an inspiration and a light to me and to the All Saints Chicago parish for many years–since the days of the AOC, even going back to the Chicago Call. Your wholehearted embrace of the Orthodox faith led the way for many of us converts through the years. I am so grateful to have met you and heard you speak on a number of occasions, and I pray that God will raise up many more faithful servants like yourself. God bless you!
With my prayers,
John Thompson
Waynesburg, PA
Thank you John Thompson for inviting us to All Saints in Chicago where we first learned about Orthodoxy, and for becoming our sponsor. Father Peter, your influence spreads and encourages all of us who have converted. Lord have mercy and grant you peace and love as you are surrounded by people who love you and are praying for you.
Angela Herman
Our prayers are with you Fr Peter! You have been a great guide and inspiration these past 30 years. I feel blessed to have know you and your wonderful family.
Love in Christ, Scot, Yumi, and Sophia Larsen
St. Barnabas Orthodox Church
Fr. Peter and Marilyn,
By an extension of God’s love for all of us and through you, your family has felt like an extension of our own. We have been blessed in so many ways by your family over the years. We will continue to keep all of you in our prayers for God’s mercy and peace. Rest well in the arms of guardian angels.
With love,
Dn. John and Becki and family
Fr. Peter, we are praying for you and your family.
Julie and George Karrip
May the Lord preserve the serenity of your countenance and may you and your family rest comforted in His embrace! How many lives you all have touched! Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Dear Fr. Peter, Marilyn and Family,
On behalf of my wife, Marsha, our family and our entire Parish of St. Catherine, I offer my deep love in Christ and prayers for you all. Fr. Peter, you are such an ispiration to so many of us, a brother in Christ and “in the bonds”, a mentor and a true friend. May our Good Lord be with, bless, strengthen and comfort you, through the prayers of His Blessed Mother the Theotokos and all of the saints. Please keep us in your prayers now and forever as you are in ours.
Your Bother in Christ,
Fr. Lou Christopulos
My dear Father Peter,
I have such fond memories of you in my earlier years, as Grandpa Geegee to some of my best friends and as that tall, smiley priest whose laugh was contagious. Your fruitful life has been a testimony to your beautiful soul and your constant desire to pull others closer to God. I have been so blessed by your witness for Christ’s constant love and undying grace. Thank you for your faithfulness to the Body. And thank you for your smile.
My prayers are with you. May God bless you. Stephen Gidus
Fr. Peter, Marilyn and Family,
My heart is so heavy….words can’t even express the sadness I feel. You have constantly been in my thoughts and prayers and I will continue!
You have. Een such a source of comfort for Cameron and I. You have been there for me through some of my toughest times. It feels like just yesterday that you came to our home after I miscarried the twins (Michael and Gabriel). You told us to not dispare and to make room for God’s ultimate plan. You prayed for us and blessed us. You prayed that we may have a successful pregnancy and an easy time conceiving. 1 month to the day, we found out I was pregnant with our precious Noah Seraphim Kevin. I truly believe that your prayers and God’s infinite grace gave us our Noah. What an I spiration you’ve been to so many. Thank you for your love, generosity, patience, wisdom and the legacy of your beautiful family! We love you and are praying for your healing and God’s abundant grace.
Erin
Fr. Peter, Khouria Marilyn and family,
Father bless!
We add our unworthy prayers for the Will of the Holy Trinity to be done and for you to continue in faith and peace. Please know of our gratitude to God and to you for your pastoral ministry in general and, specifically, your sharing of your pilgimage to Holy Orthodoxy. Your happiness is infectious and your story so instructive regarding our relations with non-Orthodox. Much love to you all.
Glory to God for all things.
Fr. Peter, We are thinking and praying for you and your beautiful family continually. You have blessed us so deeply and in so many ways through your ministry and through the beautiful legacy of your children and Grandchildren. We love you all and will continue to pray.
Fr. Peter, and family, All the students at the Antiochian House of Studies in the past years have been blessed by your teachings and presence. So many from all jurisdictions are praying for you and your family. You are and bring a gift from God to so many. You have changed our lives. Our prayers are with you. Lord have mercy.
Fr. Peter and Marilyn and family,
Dale and I are deeply saddened by the news of your illness and are in fervent prayer for God’s peace and the uplifting of your spirits. We love you so very much and are so thankful to God for both of you in our lives. Your love and life has changed our lives and we will be forever grateful. Thank you and God’s love and mercy be with you all during this time.
Dear Fr. Peter and Kh. Marilyn,
You both have always been a joy and inspiration to my family. It was wonderful seeing you a few weeks ago in Jackson. It brought back many memories of you coming to our church throughout the years, encouraging us in the Faith. Your zeal and love for God were a great source of inspiration to me as I worked in various ministries of the Church.
You continue to be an inspiration for my family and me today as we seek the Kingdom of God that you have spent your life proclaiming. Lauri was very touched by her conversations with you and Marilyn at St. Peter. Your family remains in our prayers. Please pray for us as well.
With great love in Christ,
Jordan, Lauri, and Lucas Henderson
Phil. 4:6-7
Dear Fr. Peter and Kh. Marilyn,
You have both been such a joy and inspiration to my family. It was wonderful to see you both at St. Peter a few weeks ago. I have so many fond memories – you staying at our house when I was a small child; you coming to Jackson in the early to mid eighties as we grew closer and closer to Orthodoxy, teaching us about the Body of Christ as we prepared to join the Church; driving you around Arkansas to visit mission churches 13 years ago; seeing you at OCMC and OCF board meetings – too many memories to count.
This recent news came as somewhat of a shock, and I am so thankful to have gotten to see you both in Jackson recently. Lauri was very touched by your talks and her conversations with you both. Your illness has weighed heavy on both of our hearts.
We continue to pray for you and your family as you draw closer and closer to the Kingdom of God that you have spent your life preaching about. Please pray for us as well.
With great love in Christ,
Jordan
Phil. 4:6-7
Oh Fr. Peter, we were so sad to hear of your illness this morning. We love you and Marilyn and are praying for you. May God grant you His peace.
Much love,
Shelly and John