Clergy sex abuse victims upset Rev. Charles Abdelahad still active

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) is concerned with how the Orthodox Church is handling the release of a convicted abuser.

Reverend Charles Abdelahad has completed a 90 day jail sentence for abusing a parishioner at St. George’s Cathedral in Worcester where he was a pastor. SNAP is concerned he will be reinstated in his role in the Orthodox Church despite the conviction.

The reverend took a leave of absence from the Worcester cathedral following his arrest. In May, he was found guilty of assaulting a 45-year-old female parishioner during counseling sessions. The assaults allegedly consisted of biting, kicking and beating the woman with a bat.

Abdelahad completed his sentence in August and is out on probation. Meanwhile, a petition has formed calling on church officials to defrock Abdelahad. So far, the petition has received more than 200 signatures.