Rev. Matthew J. Baker

1977 - 2015

Rev. Matthew J. Baker Apr. 5, 1977 - Mar. 1, 2015 DANIELSON - Rev. Father Matthew Jeremy Baker, 37, a priest of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Norwich, CT, died Sunday March 1st. He was the loving husband of L. Katherine (Russell) Baker and the devoted father of six children: Isaac, Elias, George, Eleftheria, Cyril, and Matthew Jr.
Father Matthew was born in Warwick, RI, son of Evelyn Baker and the late Howard Baker, and he was educated in the Cranston Public Schools. In preparation for the priesthood, he attended St. Tikhon's Orthodox Seminary, South Canaan, PA, as well as Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Brookline, MA. Since autumn 2010, he was enrolled as a doctoral student in systematic theology at Fordham University, NY. Father Matthew was ordained to the diaconate on the 17th of January 2014 by His Grace Bishop Andonios, Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, at the chapel of St. Michael's Home, Yonkers, NY. He subsequently received the grace of priestly ordination on the 19th of January 2014 from His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of Boston at the Annunciation Parish, Cranston, RI. For the past year, Father Matthew had been serving at various parishes throughout New England, and was assigned recently to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Norwich, CT.
As a friend, scholar and priest, Father Matthew touched the lives of many over the years. From an early age he was devoted to music, literature and the arts. He used his dynamic, creative and generous mind to mentor and to teach. He devoted himself tirelessly as well to scholarly research in theology and philosophy, where for one so young he published widely in a variety of respected journals and monographs.
Along with his wife and children, Father Matthew is survived by his mother, Evelyn Baker of Cranston, RI. He leaves also his brother, Gregory Baker, his wife, Ciara, their two daughters, Aoife and Emma, of Washington, DC.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2015 beginning with Divine Liturgy at 8:30 A.M.. followed by a calling hour from 10:00 - 11:00 A.M.. with Funeral Service at 11:00 A.M.. at The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 175 Oaklawn Avenue, Cranston, RI. Burial will be in Swan Point Cemetery, Providence, RI.
Calling hours will be held on Friday evening, March 6, 2015 from 5:00 - 9:00 P.M. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 247 Washington St., Norwich, CT. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Father Matthew's name may be made to Metropolis of Boston, c/o Fr. Matthew Baker Fund, 162 Goddard Avenue, Brookline, MA 02445. To leave an online condolence please visit tillinghastfh.com