- Feb 5, 2002
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PHILADELPHIA (OSV News) — A Philadelphia priest assaulted in his rectory said the attack marked a “turning point” that forced him “to reflect deeply on life, faith and the forces of evil” — as well as justice and mercy.
On Oct. 2, Father Andrawos El-Tabchi, a Maronite Catholic priest, was assaulted in his rectory, located across the street from St. Maron Maronite Catholic Church in Philadelphia.
Local media coverage noted that the priest is using a cane to aid him in walking after the incident.
The Philadelphia Police Department told OSV News that the suspect — described in the police report as a Middle Eastern male with gray hair and a stocky build — assaulted Father El-Tabchi “by punching and slapping him,” then running westbound after being pushed out of the rectory. The incident remains under investigation, and police told OSV News there has been no arrest as of Oct. 8.
Father El-Tabchi declined to speak by phone with OSV News, saying in an email that following the assault, he was “trying as much as possible to stay away from the phone.”
Continued below.
www.oursundayvisitor.com
On Oct. 2, Father Andrawos El-Tabchi, a Maronite Catholic priest, was assaulted in his rectory, located across the street from St. Maron Maronite Catholic Church in Philadelphia.
The attack
Police reported that the suspect approached the priest’s home just before 9:30 a.m. and began kicking and banging on the door before gaining access. Inside the rectory, the man physically attacked Father El-Tabchi before fleeing.Local media coverage noted that the priest is using a cane to aid him in walking after the incident.
The Philadelphia Police Department told OSV News that the suspect — described in the police report as a Middle Eastern male with gray hair and a stocky build — assaulted Father El-Tabchi “by punching and slapping him,” then running westbound after being pushed out of the rectory. The incident remains under investigation, and police told OSV News there has been no arrest as of Oct. 8.
Father El-Tabchi declined to speak by phone with OSV News, saying in an email that following the assault, he was “trying as much as possible to stay away from the phone.”
A message to parishioners
Continued below.
Priest calls attack in rectory a 'turning point' in faith
A Philadelphia priest assaulted in his rectory said the attack marked a "turning point" that forced him "to reflect deeply on life, faith and the forces of evil" -- as well as justice and mercy.
www.oursundayvisitor.com
