Archangel Raphael Ministry {ARM}, an SUS Diocesan convention under the auspices of His Grace Bishop Youssef, is pleased to present an exceptional ministry designed specifically for individuals with special needs, our brothers, sisters, children, and their families dealing with these challenges. Individuals with special needs include persons with Autism, Down Syndrome, Psycho-Emotional Disorders, Developmental Delays, Exceptional Student Education, Mental Retardation, Physical Disabilities, and many other Varying Exceptionalities.

This blessed population of our brothers and sisters has often been neglected or marginalized by the general society. Often, the families face many ordeals and hardships and sometimes quietly endure loneliness even in the church community. On many occasions, it is difficult to go to church, experience vacations, participate in youth conventions, or attend Sunday school, hymns’ camps, retreats, and family conventions hosted by our churches or the diocese. Therefore, the gap widens and the isolation becomes more pronounced.

By the grace of God, a unique, spiritual, informative, and enjoyable annual convention for individuals with special needs and their families has been established to address the many concerns associated with these challenges. Specialists and professionals from the community will share their knowledge, experience, and various resources. The program will include Divine Liturgies, sermons, lectures, discussions, seminars, workshops, field trips, activities, and fun for the entire family. The convention will take place in the beautiful and serene surroundings at St. Stephen Christian Retreat Center, Titusville, FL.

• Volunteer training and orientation is mandatory. Application to volunteer is required.

• An application process is required for each family in order to gather information about the child (or adult) and the best way to serve the family’s needs during the convention. Based on the specific need, a team of trained volunteers will be assigned to each family.

Download flyer.
Download intormation in Arabic.