

Friends,

We just learned the very sad and shocking news that Fr. Matthew Baker, a promising, brilliant scholar and priest who has contributed a number of articles to this site and is the close friend of a number of us, passed away in a tragic car accident this evening while traveling home from his parish assignment in Connecticut.

The following message has been published by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston:

To the Faithful Stewards of the Metropolis of Boston: With a very heavy heart, His Eminence informs you of the untimely passing of the Rev. Fr. Matthew Baker, who tragically died in a car accident early this evening. Fr. Matthew was recently assigned to the Holy Trinity Parish of Norwich, CT, following the retirement of Fr. Paul Pantelis. During this evening’s snow storm, Fr. Baker was traveling home from the parish when he had an accident from which he did not survive. His children who were traveling in the car with Fr. Matthew are thankfully not injured. The Metropolitan spoke directly with Presbytera Katherine a few moments ago and expressed the love and sympathy of the entire Metropolis and assured her of our prayers, presence and support. More information will be forthcoming tomorrow. Please join His Eminence as we pray for Fr. Matthew’s eternal repose. We pray for Presbytera Kate, their six beautiful children, Fr. Matthew’s mother and their entire family, that the Lord surround them in His comforting and peaceful embrace. May he rest in peace! May his memory be eternal!

Fr. Matthew and his family were my neighbors in seminary, and we have remained close in the years that followed. He was not only one of the most brilliant people I’ve ever met, but also one of the most dedicated to all that was good and beautiful and fine in this world.

Please remember him and all his family in your prayers.

Update: A site has been set up by a close and trusted friend of Fr. Matthew’s for the direct support of his wife and children. Please consider giving generously.

Update 2: I have written some remembrances of Fr. Matthew at my personal blog.