JOHNSTOWN, PA  The Diocesan Chancery has learned that  Fr. Matthew Baker, former Christ the Saviour seminarian and parishioner of Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Manassas, Virginia, and Pastor of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Norwich, CT, was tragically killed in a car accident on March 1, 2015 during an evening snow storm, while on the way home from celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy Vespers. His children who were traveling in the car with Fr. Matthew were  thankfully not injured.

Fr. Matthew, a priest of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston, was ordained a priest in January of 2014 by His Eminence, Metropolitan Methodios.  He was recently assigned as Pastor of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Norwich, CT.   

Fr. Matthew was an alumnus of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology having earned a Master of Theology (ThM) degree in 2010 with "highest distinction" and wrote an impressive thesis titled: "Neo-patristic synthesis: an examination of a key hermeneutical paradigm in the thought of Georges V. Florovsky."

Recently, he taught courses (Spring 2013) at Hellenic College as an adjunct instructor in Religious Studies. Fr. Matthew was completing a doctoral degree at Fordham University in historical theology. A dedicated family man, Fr. Matthew's kindness and intellectual acumen were readily visible to those who knew him.

 Fr. Matthew is survived by his wife of 13 years, Presbytera Katherine and their 6 children Isaac, 12; Elias, 10; George, 8; Ellie (Eleftheria), 6; Cyril, 4; and Matthew Baker Jr, 2.

Information regarding funeral arrangements may be found here

Donations to assist the family of Priest Matthew Baker are urgently requested and may be made on-line here.  

Donations may also be mailed to:

Metropolis of Boston
C/0 Fr. Matthew Baker Fund
162 Goddard Avenue
Brookline, MA 02445

May Almighty God Rest The Soul of His Newly Departed Servant, the Priest Matthew in the Mansions of the Just and May His Memory Be Eternal!