Judith Matta

Judith Matta

June 2, 1941 - November 2, 2025

Santa Maria - On the morning of Sunday, November 2nd 2025, Judith "Irene " Matta went to her Eternal Rest, with her family at her side. She was our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and Presbytera of the Descent of the Holy Spirit Orthodox Christian Mission in Santa Maria, CA. Irene was born on June 2nd, 1943 in Moscow, Idaho and spent her early life in Quincy, Washington. She entered the convent at age 18, becoming a novice at the Blessed Virgin Mary Convent in Dubuque, Iowa. She attended Mundelein College where she earned her degree in philosophy and music, specializing in vocal performance. When she left the convent in the late 1960 's, she joined a traveling bluegrass group and performed at venues along the West Coast. During this time, she moved to the San Gabriel Valley (Los Angeles area). There she met and married Edward Matta, and began teaching French at St. Lucy's Priory High School in Glendora, CA. While raising her young family, she obtained an M.A. in Systematic Theology from Talbot School of Theology at Biola College in 1986 and also authored a book, "The Born-Again Jesus of the Word Faith Teaching."

Irene's life was always directed, first and foremost, by her deep Christian faith. After leaving the convent, she never stopped searching for a spiritual home where she could fully express her love for Christ. Through her continuing studies of the ancient church, she discovered the Eastern Orthodox Faith and became a passionate advocate for its teachings. With Edward, who by this time had been ordained "Father James," she co-founded the Orthodox Christian Mission in 1997, and created an instructional YouTube channel in 2007, both of which remain active to this day.

Kierkegaard wrote: "Purity of Heart is to Will One Thing." Irene willed to spread the love of Christ on earth at all times. She loved music more than anyone we knew and was frequently brought to tears when a favorite song or orchestral piece came on the radio. She loved all living creatures, feeding and bringing home stray animals of all kinds and even carrying packets of honey so she could feed any struggling bees she found on her walks. She loved her family, ever ready to offer advice and support at any time. She lived life with an open heart, willing to share whatever material possessions she had with family members and strangers alike.

Irene is survived by her husband of 53 years, Father James Matta, her two daughters, Madeleine and Monique, and her grandson, Philip. Her memory remains Eternal through her loving family and all the people illuminated by her love and teachings throughout her life.