After being attacked last week during a home invasion, a Maronite Catholic priest in South Philadelphia is recovering and urging people to “love each other and be kind.”
Father Andrawos El-Tabchi, 40, told police that an unknown man banged on and kicked at his door last Wednesday morning (Oct. 2). After damaging the screen and door frame, the man managed to barge into the house, where he allegedly punched and slapped the priest.
The suspect fled, police said, after El-Tabchi was able to push him out of the house. As police continue to investigate, they’re asking for the public’s help to identify and locate the suspect.
Maronite Catholic Priest Lives Across the Street From Church
El-Tabchi, who is now walking with a cane due to back pain from the attack, lives across the street from his church. Saint Maron Maronite Catholic Church serves parishioners of Lebanese descent, as well as people who’ve “been attracted to the spirituality and traditions of [the] Maronite Rite,” its website states. The church has been described as a “diverse haven for Middle East immigrants.”
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El-Tabchi, a second-career priest, has been in America since 2019. A neighbor told a local reporter that the priest is a “young, vibrant, nice man.” Another neighbor, who called the assault on El-Tabchi “insane,” said, “The world we live in today is sad.”
“I would like to make it clear to everyone. South Philadelphia is very safe. It’s a safe area,” El-Tabchi said, speaking to a reporter. “This incident was targeted, and it’s in the capable hands of the police department. And I am sure that justice will be served.”
Despite the frightening incident, the priest appeared calm and was encouraging. “Stay positive,” El-Tabchi told residents. “Love each other and be kind.”
Philadelphia police are searching for a suspect described as a male with a stocky build and gray hair. He was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and brown shoes. Anyone with tips can provide them anonymously at (215) 686-8477.
Priest Who Was Attacked Is From Lebanon
On Saint Maron’s Facebook page, people posted well wishes for the priest’s quick recovery.
El-Tabchi has previously addressed the suffering of people in Lebanon. For example, he led liturgy and prayers for victims of the August 2020 Beirut port explosion that killed more than 200 and left 300,000 people homeless. Back then, he described Lebanon as being “in total chaos,” with no food, water, or medical supplies.
