The Phillipines ~ SUSCOPTS Mission Experience 2023
"Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15).
Blessed with the presence of HIS EMINENCE METROPOLITAN YOUSSEF
Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States
Blessed with the presence of HIS GRACE BISHOP REWEIS
General Bishop of Asia
PLEASE READ ALL THE INFORMATION CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, KINDLY EMAIL THE TRIP COORDINATOR: missionexperience@suscopts.org
The SUS Diocese Mission Experience Trip is an annual event under the auspices and direct leadership of His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef. Our focus is on the mission ministries and global evangelization efforts of the Coptic Orthodox Church. This opportunity fosters personal spiritual growth and cultural appreciation. Participants on this trip will share in various services according to the needs of the hosting diocese with opportunities to serve people of all ages. We will share in every aspect of the society as much as possible. Each participant will be assigned specific duties as needed. All services are consistent in holistically serving the individual, family, and community.
The mission experience will include Divine Liturgies, Bible studies, services to children, youth, families, seminarians, colleges, orphanages, and medical/dental services when possible. We will also enjoy some excursions to experience the beautiful landscape and history of the Philippines.
The service of missions is a special calling. The daily activities are intense and will entail long hours and distance travels. We ask each person contemplating joining this trip to pray and carefully consider if the rigor of this program is personally suitable.
There are are two Coptic Orthodox Churches in the Philippines: Rev. Fr. Mina Maurice serves at St. Mary & Mark in Manila and Rev. Fr. Keryllos Hany serves at St. Paul in Tacloban. God willing, we will have the blessing of serving at each location. Travel between the two regions will entail taking a domestic flight, but returning to Manila for the final departure.
DATES: July 2 - 14, 2023 (Manila & Tacloban, Philippines)
SERVICE: Spiritual, Medical, Dental, Educational, Psychological, Etc.
Service will begin on the morning of July 3th and end on July 14th. All participants must arrive by Sunday morning on July 2nd and leave on July 14th. This means that you should begin your travels from the United States on Friday June 30th and book your return flights on July 14th. Participants wishing to arrive earlier or leave later must inform the coordinator prior to registering: missionexperience@suscopts.org.
REGISTRATION OPEN: Sunday, January 22, 2023 at 8:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
https://registration.suscopts.org/
ATTENDEES: 25 Persons
Participants must be at least 18 years of age or older and have completed high school by July 2, 2023. Participants not meeting this criteria must be accompanied by one or both parents for the duration of the trip.
SERVICES: Each participant should choose an area of service. These vary from serving children, youth, families, women, men, medical, dental, educational, psychological, technical, food preparation, … etc.
Note: physicians and dentists must provide required credentials ASAP to obtain permission to practice during our visit. Please indicate your specialty in the comments section of the registration page. It takes approximately 3 months to process the following.
Medical Mission Requirements for Physicians & Dentists:
1. Valid Authenticated License from the Philippines Embassy (License must be valid until the end of 2023).
2. Photocopy of Valid Passport
3. Two Passport Size ID Pictures
4. Completed Application Forms for Authority to Practice (We will send these forms to physicians and dentists registered for this mission).
ITINERARY: Daily itineraries will be emailed to all attendees.
AIRPORT: Arrival & Departure: Manila - Ninoy Aquino International Airport
The airport is at least one hour to our residence and traffic is dense. Thus, we will only post 1-2 times of airport pick-ups and drop-offs. Please plan your flights according to these times so you do not wait too long.
AIRFARE: Attendees are responsible for the purchase of their own airfare to and from the Philippines.
Round-trip domestic air travel with the group between Manila and Tacloban is included in the registration.
EXPECTATIONS: The group MUST remain together throughout the trip. During the trip, everyone is expected to attend all prayers, liturgies, praises, lectures, services, reflections, and meals together.
COST: $1200.00 USD Per Person
Registration fees must be paid by Zelle. Following confirmation of registration, an email will be sent to each attendee regarding where to send the fees, which must be received within 48 hours of registering or registration will be voided. (Note: Please keep all confirmation emails, donations, and purchases on behalf of this mission and services for your taxes).
REFUND POLICY: $200 NON-REFUNDABLE (tax-deductible) + ALL expenses and fees paid in advance on your behalf will also be deducted from your refund.
If once you register, but later decide to cancel, you cannot give your spot to someone else. The next person on the waiting list will be notified for that vacant spot.
ROOMING: 2 persons per room with private bathroom (hotel). Attendees may choose roommates.
Please write your roommate's name in the registration comments section.
INCLUDED: All meals, lodging, excursions, and transportation (air, land, & sea) within the Philippines
EXCLUDED: Airfare to and from the Philippines, donations, visas, vaccinations, and personal items
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Highly Recommended
VISA: Not required for US citizens
TRAVEL ADVISORY: Read More:
Required and recommended vaccines are subject to change. Please check frequently.
DONATIONS: Online donations via Zelle, cash, or check made to the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern US (address and/or link will be provided).
SPIRITUAL STUDY: Epistle of 1, 2, 3 John; Jude Commentaries
His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef & His Grace Bishop Reweis
REGISTRATION OPENS: Sunday, January 22, 2023 @ 8:00 PM EST (25 Attendees Only)
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God;
and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God."
(1 John 4:7)
"I will show you my faith by my works" (James 2:18).