Worcester orthodox priest faces rape charge

WORCESTER — The former longtime pastor of a Worcester church has been accused of raping and physically assaulting a 43-year-old woman.

The Very Rev. Charles Michael Abdelahad of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral is scheduled to be arraigned Friday in Central District Court on a single charge of rape, four counts of assault and battery, and five counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Court documents allege Abdelahad beat the woman on several occasions dating to 2007.

His attorney tells The Telegram & Gazette that his client denies any criminal wrongdoing.

Abdelahad has been a priest for at least 20 years and left the parish sometime in November.