March 5, 2015
“This past Sunday afternoon—the Sunday of Orthodoxy—the Orthodox community learned of the sudden and tragic death of Fr. Matthew Baker, a presbyter of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston.
“Fr. Matthew was traveling home from Vespers with his six children (ages 2 through 12). His Presvytera Katherine was at home, having just recently lost their seventh child to a still birth. Driving in the midst of a violent, winter storm, Fr. Matthew’s van spun out of control, flipping multiple times and ejecting him from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead on the scene, but his six children were relatively unharmed.
“For those who didn’t know him, Fr. Matthew was a scholar of extraordinary gifts. Many suggested he would be one of the greatest theologians and scholars of the twenty-first century—and I can’t help but agree. His loss to the world of Christian scholarship is significant, and yet, is the least of what was lost in his death. Given this scholarly and pastoral focus, Fr. Matthew and his family had spent the last several years essentially living in poverty so that he might acquire the necessary academic credentials for not only parish ministry, but also higher education. Most recently, he was in the process of authoring a book, assisting several others in editing and contributions to their own, and was completing a PhD at Fordham University.
“In only the past few weeks, Fr. Matthew and his family were granted their first full-time parish assignment at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Norwich, Connecticut. Fr. Matthew was energized by this new assignment, and the faithful were already becoming close to their newly appointed priest. Importantly, this new role of service would provide something for Fr. Matthew and his family that had been absent for so many years: a steady source of income.
“But now, with this unexpected loss, the family is in a great deal of financial need—not to mention their emotional and spiritual needs. One of Fr. Matthew’s closest friends, Seraphim Danckaert, has setup a funding campaign online to at least begin the process of supporting his beloved wife and six children. I have also volunteered to create a website dedicated to the life and works of Fr. Matthew, along with further fundraising efforts (more information forthcoming). And again, this is only a start. Whenever mindful, I would ask all of our readers to keep his family in your hearts and prayers, and to give sacrificially as able. They will need our support for a long, long time.”
