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← Black Country Orthodox Trust

2024-12-31-accounts

Orthodox Church of The Nativity of the Mother of God

Archdiocese of Thyateira in the Ecumenical Patriarchate

BLACK COUNTRY ORTHODOX TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1082272

Black Country Orthodox Trust, in pursuit of its aim to advance the Orthodox Christian faith, operates the Orthodox parish at Palfrey in Walsall in the West Midlands, under the jurisdiction of the Greek Archdiocese of Thyateira Great Britain and Ireland, to serve the Orthodox faithful of whatever nationality who live in the Black Country and local areas, and to be an Orthodox presence in the whole community.

Contents
Report of the Trustees
Acknowledgements
Legal and Administrative Information
Report of the Independent Examiner
Receipts and Payment Account
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Notes to the Accounts		 Page
1-6
6
7
8
9
10
11-12

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF BLACK COUNTRY ORTHODOX TRUST

The Charity Trustees present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st December 2024. The financial statements comply with both the Charity’s Constitution and the Charities Act 2011.

Objectives and Activities

The objects of the Charity are the advancement of the Orthodox Christian faith as contained in Holy Scripture, as practised in the life of the Church, as confirmed by the ecumenical and local councils and as interpreted, preserved and taught by the Great Church of Christ, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

To carry out these objects, the Charity runs the Orthodox parish of the Nativity of the Mother of God in Palfrey, Walsall, and works for the Orthodox Church in the wider community and for an active part in the whole local community. Within the structures of the Orthodox Church, the parish is in the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Thyateira, Great Britain, and Ireland, by whom it is currently charged to conduct the services and other matters primarily in English, to be accessible to Orthodox of all backgrounds and enquirers.

Public Benefit

The trustees continue to give regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit (Charities and Public Benefit) about the charitable purpose of the charity. In the opinion of the trustees, the objectives of the charity as detailed above fall within the remit of ‘for public benefit.’

The purpose of BCOT is to run the affairs of the Orthodox parish of the Nativity of the Mother of God in Walsall, in the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, under the Ecumenical Patriarchate. It owns the church building and the former church house next door in Dale Street, and under the Archdiocese, supports the clergy and the pastoral and liturgical life of the parish. The Trustees have the first responsibility for these matters. Day-to-day practical affairs are dealt with by the Parish Committee, which reports to the Trustees. The clergy take care of the pastoral and liturgical needs of the parish.

The Trustees held ten meetings in this period. With the appointment of the new priest, Father Samuel Christophorou, in February 2024, the main aim of the meetings was to create an agreement with Father Samuel, organise, plan, and start the new activities, classes and events of the church. During the meetings we also planned and then organised work in church and garden area.

The trustee board had the following changes in 2024: Anne Perks and Diana Zorescu have resigned from their roles. Brandon Scott - Omenka, Florina Clewer, Mihaela Ispas, Steve Rollins, Irina Rollins, Florin Mihaila, Gregory Wittwer and Tatiana Vasiliou remained members of the trust and from January 2024 the following roles were: Brandon – Chair, Florina –Treasurer, Tatiana – Secretary, Steve, Gregory, Irina, Florin and Mihaela – Trustees. From January 2025, assumed the following roles: new Trustees – Ognyan Dachev, Brandon – Chair, Florina – Treasurer, Tatiana – Secretary.

Clergy: The priest in charge in January 2024 is Father Theodoros Polyviou. Father Theodoros Polyviou was appointed in November 2023 to serve in our parish. This lasted only several months due to unexpected circumstances, resulting in Father Theodoros' departure at the beginning of 2024. In February 2024, we welcomed Father Samuel Christophorou to our

pg. 1

parish, who was appointed on a long-term basis by the bishop shortly after. This allowed Father John to retire and leave the parish and Walsall. Since then, Father Samuel has been officially in charge of our parish, and his dedicated work and progress in parish life have started immediately.

Church life. The main services are in English, but the community comprises many ethnicities. The number of parishioners attending is steady, and the community is growing. During the year, the parish kept contact both informally and liturgically with the local Orthodox communities of all jurisdictions.

Community life. The church hall was let to local people until July 2024. This was used for various events and exercise classes. The hall rent was run by Rooki Alberts, who retired from this duty in July 2024. Since then, we have had a few events for the community, mostly for the Bulgarian dancing group and the Taekwondo classes. Since Father Samuel has joined our parish, we have had an increasing number of attendees from further areas such as Milton Keynes and Northampton.

We held the goodbye party for our beloved Father John and Presbytera Georgina in July 2024, which was a lovely and successful event. Over 100 people attended to express their gratitude to Father and his wife, who both have dedicated their retirement to work in our parish and spent so much time helping the community and all the believers, not only from our parish.

In the year 2024, we have continued to grow and strengthen our parish community through a variety of educational and spiritual activities. Regular Bible classes are held every Friday, and catechumen classes take place each Thursday. Chanting classes are offered every other week, and we also host classes for teenagers several times throughout the year. In addition, parishioners have enjoyed engaging sessions on iconography, prayer rope making, and much more.

To improve communication and foster a sense of connection, a parish WhatsApp group was created, allowing us to share updates, encouragement, and community news more easily.

In support of our ongoing ministry, we have introduced a card machine and created a QR code to facilitate easier and more accessible donations.

We were also pleased to organise a charitable collection for the Acorns charity, raising an impressive £561 thanks to the generosity of our parishioners. The trust subsequently increased the value of the gift to £1,000 from its funds. Acorns were very grateful for this donation.

Sunday School resumed in mid-September, and it continues to be a joyful and enriching part of our parish life for our younger members.

Charity Property The Charity owns the church building in Sun Street, Walsall and the church house (the former vicarage) at 63 Dale Street, Walsall. It acquired the freeholds of both church and church house and their grounds from the Church of England in 2005.

The church was valued for insurance at £4,231,129 from December 2023 to December 2024 and at £4,360,692 from December 2024 to December 2025; its contents were valued at £42,017 approximately and £42,457 for those dates. The church house was valued for insurance from December 2023 to December 2024 at £661,043 and £674,163 from December 2024 to December 2025. Loss of rent from the Church House was valued for insurance from December 2024 at £75,142.

pg. 2

Work on the property

Church. This year, a range of important maintenance and improvement works were carried out to ensure the continued care and usability of our church buildings and grounds. The church garden received much-needed attention and was tidied and refreshed. Gutters were thoroughly cleaned, and the main drain was cleared to prevent blockages. We arranged with one of our parishioners to cut the grass regularly, helping maintain the appearance of the grounds throughout the year. The Green Room, located beside the office, underwent a complete renovation. It has been repainted and redecorated, and now benefits from a new kitchen and radiators, making it a more functional and welcoming space. The wall behind the church house was rebuilt, improving both the safety and appearance of the area. A new alarm system was installed to enhance the security of our premises. Additionally, new chairs were purchased to improve comfort and update our facilities. We are grateful to all who contributed their time, skills, and support to these projects, which greatly enhance our community spaces.

Church House . All seven flats are currently let.

Finance

During this period the income received was £97,724 (£85,009 in 2023) and the payments were £80,637 (£76,741 in 2023). The closing balance at the end of this financial period was £37,702 compared to £20,615 at the end of the previous period.

The £65,000 private loan taken in 2020, respectively 2021, to enable BCOT to finish the development of the church house, was paid in full in August 2024.

The seven flats in the church house provided continuous income throughout the year.

Reserves Policy

The trustees continue to review the charity’s requirements for reserves in light of the main risk to the organisation, a reduction of income. At the end of December 2024, the total reserves were £37,702, all of which were unrestricted.

The long-term financial strategy of the trustees remains their intention to increase the level of the reserves by continually reviewing overheads and increasing income not only through rent from the property but also by securing charitable donations and increasing fundraising activities.

Update January to July 2025

The trustees have held four meetings in 2025 so far.

This year, we continued working closely with our new priest, Fr. Samuel. The community has warmly welcomed him, and under his guidance, the parish is flourishing. A great deal of effort has gone into maintaining and improving our premises. We completed the finishing touches on the room now used for Sunday School, and we have continued with the regular cleaning and upkeep of the garden. These improvements have contributed to a more welcoming and functional environment for all.

pg. 3

We have also been able to offer more regular classes, enriching the spiritual and community life of the parish. Looking ahead, we are actively planning further projects, with our current focus being the renovation of the parish toilets.

We are grateful for the ongoing support and dedication of our parishioners, which makes all of this possible.

Easter was held in the normal way - at midnight - with a good attendance. The stewarding volunteers did an amazing job of managing the crowds.

The tea & coffee volunteers have organized our annual ‘bring and share’ parish meal in January and have also arranged hospitality for Bishop Maximos, who visited our parish in January and April 2025.

All flats are let and provide a stable, regular income, which supports the salary of the new priest.

We have many catechumens attending our services and over 20 baptisms planned for this year.

Two more trustees joined the committee in April 2025.

Conclusion

This year has been both busy and fruitful for our parish. With the dedicated efforts of our priest, trustees, and volunteers, we have made significant progress across many areas of parish life. From launching new events and classes to enhancing our facilities and welcoming an increasing number of visitors, the growth and vitality of our community have been evident. We give thanks for the blessings to Almighty God of the past year and look forward to continuing this positive momentum in the year ahead.

The income has been made up primarily from donations and the rents from the Church House apartments. The number of people attending our church is increasing, and we have more volunteers.

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

Black Country Orthodox Trust is an unincorporated registered charity based in the Metropolitan Borough of Walsall in the West Midlands. It is governed by a Constitution approved on 7[th] May 2000 and was entered on the Register of Charities by the Charity Commission of England and Wales on 4[th] September 2000.

Organisational Structure

The charity has a committee consisting of at least three but no more than thirteen individuals. The committee may consist of a chair, up to nine elected committee members and three members co-opted by the committee members to hold office until the next AGM. The charity trustees are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the charity.

pg. 4

Recruitment and Appointment of Committee Members

All committee members are required to be members of the Church before being recruited as charity trustees. One third (or a number nearest one third) of the elected committee members must retire at each Annual General Meeting (AGM), and new committee members are elected to replace those retiring from office. Every committee member must sign a declaration of willingness to act as a charity trustee before they are eligible to vote at any meeting of the committee. The board of committee members is well represented by a wide range of individuals from various aspects of the church community.

Trustee Induction and Training

Whilst there was no formal induction process in 2023, there was an induction process in place introduced in 2024. All new committee members are invited and encouraged to visit the offices of Black Country Orthodox Trust to familiarise themselves with the organisation and the context within which it operates. The trustee will discuss the following aspects of the organisation with the new committee member and answer any questions arising.

In addition to the above, a copy of the latest Annual Report is given to all new committee members along with a charity trustee role description, a copy of the constitution, the Charity Commission’s Trustee Handbook, the organisation’s main policy documents and the latest financial statement

Risk Management

The trustees continue to monitor any potential financial and/or governance challenges that they may face. Whilst the trustee body has not formally conducted its own review of other major risks to which the charity may be exposed to, systems have been established to mitigate any identified risks.

The risk of not being able to adequately fund the charity is the biggest risk, which is why the trustees are keen to increase their money unrestricted reserves as a contingency for any emergencies. As and when required, trustees review, amend and update working procedures to help eliminate risks.

Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with Health and Safety for all visitors whilst on charity property. These procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the charity. Disclosure and barring checks are made on all members of staff and potential new volunteers where appropriate. General Data Protection Regulations are adhered to as well as Safeguarding Adults and Child Protection policies regarding all work with children and families.

Responsibilities of the Trustees

The trustees must hold a minimum of six meetings a year, and there must be a quorum of three trustees present at each. Ten meetings have been held during 2024, out of which four were virtual. The Annual General Meeting was held in the church on Sunday, 15[th] December 2024.

pg. 5

At each meeting, trustees receive regular reports from the clergy and other groups. The ‘Parish Committee’ was dissolved and the trustees committee has taken responsibility for all the activities. The trustees reviewed and updated procedures and attended as necessary to regulatory matters as necessary and oversaw the management of the activities of the Charity as described above.

Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of its financial position at the end of that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charity (Accounts Reports) Regulations 2008. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

This Report was approved by the Board of Trustees on the 31[st] August 2025 and was signed on their behalf by

…………………..………………… ……..………………………………

Brandon Scott-Omenka, Chair

Tatiana Vasiliou, Secretary

Acknowledgements

Black Country Orthodox Trust would like to thank all the faithful who support the parish with their donations, both great and small: and, to thank our Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateiraand Great Britain (together with his staff) for his pastoral care and oversight of our parish and to ask for his continued prayers.

Those directly involved in parish and community work were:

Father Samuel Christoforou, priest in charge Father John Nankivell, retired priest Georgina Nankivell, choir leader Tatiana Vasiliou, Sunday school teacher

Oxana Costin, contracted to clean the church

Irina and Steven Rollins, managing housekeeping of the parish

pg. 6

Thanks are due to all of these. Thanks also go to servers, singers, doorkeepers, workers in the office and the premises and many other volunteers and supporters for the skills, commitment, time, and prayers that they have contributed throughout the year, and to those who give financial support.

Special thanks go to the Trustees and their team for all the hard work put into managing the housekeeping of the parish.

Legal and Administrative Information

Charity Name: Black Country Orthodox Trust Charity Status: Unincorporated Registered Charity Number: 1082272 Registered Office and 1a Sun Street Operational Address: Walsall West Midlands WS1 4AL Telephone Number: 01922 633451 Email Address: blackcountryorthodoxtrust@gmail.com Website: www.orthodoxwalsall.org.uk

Charity Trustees:

Chair Brandon Scott-Omenka Treasurer Florina Clewer Secretary Tatiana Vasiliou Trustees Irina Rollins Mihaela Ispas Gregory Wittwer Florin Mihaila Steven Rollins Ognyan Dachev (appointed Dec 24)

Independent Examiner:

Bev Richardson M.A.A.T. Charity AID Accountancy Services Woodland Lodge, Dunston Business Village Stafford Road, Dunston, Staffordshire, ST18 9AB

Banks:

HSBC Bank, The Bridge, Walsall, West Midlands, WS1 1LN

Co-operative Bank, P.O. Box 250, Southway, Skelmersdale, Yorkshire, WN8 6WT

pg. 7

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF

BLACK COUNTRY ORTHODOX TRUST

I report on the financial statements of Black Country Orthodox Trust for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 9 to 12.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under Section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’) and that an independent examination is required.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

have not been met; or

Bev Richardson M.A.A.T.

Date: 31[st] August 2025

On Behalf of Charity AID Accountancy Services Woodland Lodge, Dunston Business Village Stafford Road, Dunston, Staffordshire, ST18 9AB

pg. 8

BLACK COUNTRY ORTHODOX TRUST

Receipts and Payments Account for the period 1[st] January 2021 – 31[st] December 2024

Note
RECEIPTS
Donations
1
Charitable Activities
2
Fundraising
3
Investments
4
Other Receipts
5
TOTAL RECEIPTS
PAYMENTS
Raising Funds
6
Charity Running Costs
7
Church & Hall Costs
8
Church House Costs
9
Activities & Events
10
Governance
11
Other Payments
12
ASSETS & INVESTMENTS
Fixed Assets
Investment
TOTAL PAYMENTS
Net incoming resources
Transfer between funds
Cash funds from last year
TOTAL CASH FUNDS		 Unrestricted
Restricted
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
53,658
0
53,658
40,304
39,217
0
39,217
35,144
3,813
561
4,374
3,105
25
0
25
19
451
0
451
6,437
97,163
561
97,724
85,009
5,780
0
5,780
872
33,714
0
33,714
20,783
13,527
0
13,527
18,275
5,592
0
5,592
9,492
3,049
561
3,610
2,504
1,414
0
1,414
815
17,000
0
17,000
24,000
80,076
561
80,637
76,741
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
80,076
561
80,637
76,741
17,087
0
17,087
8,268
0
0
0
0
20,615
0
20,615
12,347
37,702
0
37,702
20,615

pg. 9

BLACK COUNTRY ORTHODOX TRUST

Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at 31[st] December 2024

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Unrestricted Restricted Total
CASH FUNDS
HSBC Business Account 9,111 - 9,111
HSBC Saver Account 1,280 - 1,280
Co-op Community Account 27,189 - 27,189
Sunday School Petty Cash 122 - 122
OTHER MONETARY ASSETS 0 0 0
INVESTMENT ASSETS 0 0 0
ASSETS RETAINED FOR THE
CHARITY'S OWN USE
Church 4,360,692
Church Contents 42,457
Church House 674,163
LIABILITIES
Independent Examination 480

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 31[st] August 2025 and were signed on their behalf by

……………………………………….……

..….………..………………………………

Brandon Scott-Omenka Chair

Florina Clewer, Treasurer

pg. 10

Notes to the Accounts

Notes to the Accounts
1
Donations
Grants
Donations
Gift Aid Inland Revenue
Eon Feed in Tariff
Charitable Donations
2
Charitable Activities
Contracts
Membership
Church House Rent
Hall Lettings
Church Worship Goods
Baptism / Marriages
3
Fundraising
Sale of Purchased Goods
Community Events
Community Giving
Family Giving
General Fundraising
4
Investments
Bank Interest
5
Other Receipts
Refunds
6
Raising Funds
Purchase of Goods for resale
General Fundraising
Sum Up Transaction Fees		 Unrestricted
Restricted
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
0
0
0
0
46,393
0
46,393
31,540
1,373
0
1,373
4,133
5,892
0
5,892
4,631
0
0
0
0
53,658
0
53,658
40,304
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
240
37,831
0
37,831
31,729
946
0
946
2,120
0
0
0
0
440
0
440
1,055
39,217
0
39,217
35,144
2,775
0
2,775
2,048
1,038
0
1,038
92
0
561
561
965
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3,813
561
4,374
3,105
25
0
25
19
25
0
25
19
451
0
451
6,437
451
0
451
6,437
5,650
0
5,650
872
0
0
0
0
130
0
130
0
5,780
0
5,780
872

pg. 11

Notes to the Accounts continued


7
Charity Running Costs
Priest Fees
Priest Expenses
Insurance
Health & Safety
Bank Charges
Office Expenses
Travel
8
Church & Hall Costs
Utility Costs
Church Maintenance
Hall Maintenance
Capital Works
Apse, Icons & Nartex
Church Worship Goods
Church Equipment
Cleaning Costs & Materials
Grounds Maintenance
9
Church House Costs
Utility Costs
Maintenance
Capital Works
Cleaning Costs & Materials
10
Activities & Events
Worship Requisites
Community Events
Community Giving
Family Giving
Hospitality
11
Governance
Governance Costs
Independent Examination
Professional Fees
12
Other Payments
Loan Repayment		 Unrestricted
Restricted
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
16,475
0
16,475
11,920
1,584
0
1,584
154
14,564
0
14, 564
7,487
278
0
278
102
205
0
205
195
608
0
608
925
0
0
0
0
33,714
0
33,714
20,783
5,955
0
5,955
7,460
1,211
0
1,211
306
0
0
0
536
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
100
0
0
0
4,052
1,467
0
1,467
0
3,753
0
3,753
3,017
1,141
0
1,141
2,804
13,527
0
13,527
18,275
1,803
0
1,803
1,096
32
0
32
144
3,719
0
3,719
7,842
38
0
38
410
5,592
0
5,592
9,492
1,300
0
1,300
120
1,310
0
1.310
319
439
561
1,000
40
0
0
0
1,625
0
0
0
400
3,049
561
3,610
2,504
0
0
0
0
480
0
480
480
934
0
934
335
1,414
0
1,414
815
17,000
0
17,000
24,000
17,000
0
17,000
24,000

pg. 12