Charity Rogistration No. 1107634 Company Reglstration No. 04766548 (England and Wah61 SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024 Fawley Judg• & Easton Chartergd Certified Accountants 1 Parfiarnent Street Hull East York$hlrn HU1 2AS SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Trustoes Dr AAI-Khoury Mrs Z Hanna Dr S Henderson Mrs B Kassir Mf M Khoory Dr Z Shamoon Se¢retary OrAAI-Khoury Chartty number 1107634 Company number 04766548 Registered office 7-11 Amstror¥) Road London WJ 7JL Auditor Fawley Judge & Easton Chartered Certified Accountants 1 Parliament Sireel Hull East Yorkshire HU12AS SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH CONTENTS Page Trustees, report ststement of trustees. responsibilthes 14 Independent audrtorfs ￿pOrt 15-16 Statement of finanaal actsvities 17 Balance sheet 18 Statement of cash 110￿$ 19 Notes to the finanrjal statements 20-30 SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MA Y 2024 The trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 May 2024. which also comprises the Directors, Report requi￿￿ by the Companies Act 2006. The Charity Nam¢: The legal name of the charrty is: Syrian Orthodox Church The charity is also known by ils operating name, Syriac Orthodox Church, Syriac Orthodox Church UK, Syrian Orthdox Church UK or SOC UK. The Charity's Areas of Operation and UK Charitable Registration The charity is registered in England & Wales with the Charity Commission in England & Wales ICCEW) with the charity number 1107634. Legal Structure of the Charity The charity is constituted as a company limited by guarantee, registered under the Companies Acts. The goveming document of the charity is Ihe Memorandum and Articles of Association establishing the company under company legislation. There are no restrictions in the goveming documents on the operation of the Charity or on ils inveslmenl powers other than those imposed by Charity Law. By operation of law all. Irustees are direclors under the Companies Act 2006 and all directors are trustees under Charities legislation and have responsibilities. as 5u¢h. under t)oth company and charity legislation. The truslees are all individuals. The Principal Operating Address. Telephone Number, Email and Web Addresses of the Charity The Syriac Cenlre 7-11 Amislrong Road London W3 7JL Telephone.. 020 87495834 Email Address.. Enquiry.24@syriacorthdox.church Web address.. ¥vw¥v.s rkacorthodox.church The registered office of the charity for Companies Act purposes is the same as the operating address shown above. SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH TRUSTEES, REPORT IINCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024 The Trustees in Office on the Date the Roport was approved were: DrAAI-Khoury Mrs Z Hanna Dr S Henderson HH C Karim Mrs 8 Kassir Mr M Khoory Dr Z Shamoon At the Annual General Meetin9 no trustees retire fom office. (ResMJned 30 November 20231 All the trustees a￿ members of the church. The financial slalements have been prepared In accordan￿ wrth the accounting policies set out In note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's Igoveming documentl. the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charit￿5.. Ststement of Recommended PraCts￿ applicable to charities preparing their accounts In accordance with the Finanaal Reportsng Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021" (effective 1 January 2019). SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MA Y 2024 Objectives and Actlvities of the Charity: Thè Purposos of the Charlty a$ Specifiod in its Govemlng Document: The obiecls of the Charity. as Stated in the goveming document of the Chanty, are to ajvance and promote the Christian Faith in accordance with the teachings and practi￿ of Syrian Orthodox Church ofAntioch. The Main Activities Undertak•n in Relation to Those Purpo￿ during the Yoar: The Chanty seeks lo provide opportunities for people to contribute to the objectives. and offer the church's facilities for worship. and Ihe church hall and centre hall for educational. cullsJral and social activities. Significant activities are." Bible study. pa3toral visrts. ecumenical meetings. Language study. cultural lectures, festive gatherings, refreshments after the main church servi￿$, helping the elderfy. few parties over the course of the year to bring the community together as well a$ supporty.ng the church's youth wrth their activities. Also, Il provides the church halls for use by other people from the wmmunity as well as Ils use by a full day nursery by the local communty. The Main Actlvitios Undertaken During tho Yoar to Further the Charlty'$ Purpose for the Public BonofiL For the purpose of attaining the af0￿$3￿1 objectives. but not otherw15e. the Charity shall provide and maintain places of Christian worship to enable the officiating of sacraments and for the due performance of the rites of baptism. marriage, bunal and other cEremonies according lo the pnnciples of the Syrian Orthodox Christian Faith. For the purpose of attaining the aforesaid objectives. but not otherwise. the Charity may exerase the following powers.. 1. To provide and maintain the ministerial services of clergy {suth as a bishop, corepiscopos. priestlsl. or monklsl including the provBion of a residence(s). To expand 2nd sustain ils relig￿US meebngs and conferences. To hold and otherwise promote religious meetings and conferences. To help the needy In the United Kingdom and abroad. To provide and expand the spinlual. social. cultural and educational activities. To leach and promote the SynacJAramaic language and heritage. To participate in ecumenical discussions. To participate in lO￿vnatiOnal events as appropriate. The Iruslees have had regard to the Chanty Commission's guidance on public benefit In managing the activities of the charity. SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024 The Short Tomi and Longer Terni Aim• and Obbectives: The main objective of the Charity for Ihe year 31 May 2024 las a￿ays) was to ensure that the Chafity remained solvent. accessible. and modern and at the heart of the community and the Syriac peopk living in the United Kingdom. To this end the Charity intend to keep a close control on the finances. trying to reduce unner£ssary expenditure and to enhance surplus monEs by Investing in rts properties and reducing the mortgage loans. Also. the Charity ensures that Il provKles serVI￿S to the community to meet rts obieth'ves as highlighted in its Governing Document. In the financial review section of this report there is a description of the investment policies and objectives eslablished by the trustees and the extent to which social environmental or ethical considerations are taken Into account. Additsonally. the Charity aims to". Continue being a self-sustainable enterpnse. Achieve and maintain a goc*J worf(ing relationship amongst the trustees and with the dergy, staff. volunteers and parishioners. Continue lo interact with the church parishioners and community with thè aim of regular consultation to Identrfy demands of provision and services. Encourage the church youths to lake more active roles in the life of the church so Ihey can contribute lo ils Su￿sS by bringing their own ideas. They can also be trained to take the ￿spOnSibl11t1eS of running the Church charity In the future Support the Synac Scouts music group. Tho Charity's Strategies for Achieving Its Aims and Objectives in tho Future: The main objective of the Charity Is to maintain and provide places of worship to the Syrian Orthodox parishioners. St Thomas Cathedral building al 1 Amistrong Road is continuing lo proV￿e ample Spa￿ to allow the Syriac parishioners lo attend church servI￿s. St Mary's Chapel on the first floor Is used mainly by the youth for educational purposes e.g. Sunday School Educatson and Music Lessons to the Syriac Scouts 9rotip that subscribes lo the British Scouts Association. Furthemiofe. the chanty continues to liaise with sister churches in the Greater London area and in other cities to hire church buildings to help conduct church services. This Is due to the increase in the number of the parishioner outside London. Regular monthty seThice a￿ being held In places like New Malden. Brighton. Manchester and Bimiingham. The Charity's slfate9y to use rts Investment income to pay off some of the mortga9e and thus reducing the Interest on the loans. and to use the le￿ntlY purchased rural property to provide a spirstual retreat and Conferen￿ faulitie3 How the A¢tivitles Undèrtaken During the Year Contributsd to the Achiovèmont of the Aims and Objectives: The cathedral building has provided large space lo allow more parishioners to attend the church serviees The small church hall on the side with its movin9 parbtion has been fully utilised not only for refreshments. wakes and social activities but also proV￿e further rental income due to the expansion of full day nursery The charity has organised several social events throughoul the year such as boxing day paty for the youth. new year party and Valentine party. as well as picnics and pilgrimage trips. as well as educational activity trips for the youths. The events broughl Ihe community together and allowed Ihem to meet others of the same denomination who settled in the UK recently or from sisterty churches. SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024 Resources Usod in the Activities Undertaken During the Year. This year. the hire of the big church hall at the Syriac Centre was restncted to church functions and large wakes dunng the weekends. The hall has been used for a CA)uple of Folklore and fundraising events. The small hall holds the weekly serwng of refreshments after the church service3. extended full day Nursery space during the week. as well as Language tuition on￿/￿Ice a week by a lo￿1 sister church The chanty has also subsidised the church's youth's activitses during Ihe year - 4ncludiThJ youth workshops. onlinè luilion and music luilion. The Charity ensures adherence to Health & Safety issues. by updatsng its policies. ra￿Ing awareness of opportunities lo train and supporting its volunteer officers and rna1ntenan￿ staff as and when required lo do so. Soclal Invostrnent Policies and How These Contributsd to the Achievement of Charity'¥ Aims and Objectives During the Year: The investment properties owned by the Charity are rented out to elderfy panshioneryJ and needy households. The elderty parishioners are benefiting of being In close proximity to the church and enjoying being socially close to each other. The business start-up In one of the flats. Conbnued to pay regular rent despite some difficullies towards the end of the finanaal year. The hall at the Syriac Centre Is rented to a Nursery for the local community to benefit from during weèk days. Al the weekend the hall may be used for wakes by the parishioners and fundraising sooal events. The provision of the rural property benefited the clergy to take respite from city life and to use Il as a base to administer to the congregation in that area_ It was used to house a summer Conferen￿ for the youth from our European sister church. 11 also provided a vasl expanse for the community to gathef for picnics. games, cultural perforMan￿S and fundraising events. The Contribution of Volunts•r¥ during the Year: The charity is run and adminisleTed by Ihe volunteenng trustees of the charity. They are assisted by olher volunteers from wiihin the church cnmmunity and organised into committees I teams The volunteering teams help with some of the aclivitses such as." providing ￿freShMents. organising soual gathenngs. parties and social trips, Sunday school duties. media and communications. engineenng advi￿, and buildings. maintenance, Insuran￿ advice and liaison. cashiers and bookkeeping, as well as the Health & Safety and Fire protection duties. Some volunteers also come together occasionally lo do thorou9h cleaning of religious areas and Icons especially before special occasions and festivities. SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024 Achievements and perfomiance The Main Achievements and Pèrformance of the Charity during the Year: The Charity relies on regular donations from its members as well as grant aid from donors identified in the accounts, whose support is valued. The main achievements arKJ perfofmance of the charity in the year ending 31-May-2024: The charity have managed to pay off of Ihe loans within the year. 2. Continue lo update and maintsin belter processes for accounting. 3. Continue to pursue Sunday school teachers. youlh leaders. tnjstees and clergy lo obtain enhanced OBS. 4. Continue to implement and ￿nitOr health and safety measures for the protection of church attendees. 5. Ensured that the mainlenance and upkeep of Ihe charity's properties. Adopted new key poliaes and revised existing ones. 7. Supported the needy and helped our sister church in Brazil. 8. Continue to support British Syriac Scouts music band. Ensured the salaries of Ihe clergy are in line with minimum wage rules. 10. Made a decision lo recruit another minister of religionlreligious worker. 11. Continued funding support for London North Wesl NHS for research into Covid-19. SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY2024 The Difference the charity's Perfomiance during the Year has made to the Beneficiaries of the Charity and Wider Society: During the year the Charily has.. Sustsined places of worship according to Ihe Syriac Orthodox Rite for Ihe people. Maintained the ministerial services of the dergy. Arranged meetings and conferences lo publicise the Christsan Faith according to the Syriac Orthodox Faith and lo promole and educate about the Syriac language. culture and heritage. 4. Provided assistance for the needy people in the United Kingdom and abroad. 5. Letting Ihe nursery lo expand and use the small Church hall as well as big Centre hall. Thus enabling the local families of all faiths and none lo benefil their children and also to volunleef. 6. Enhanced the safety of its properties and provided prompt and consistent maintenance support for its lenanls, and keeping the area in good standard. 7. Sourcing local services and shops for calerir@ facilities and maintenance. 8. The success of the Syriac scouts music group has attracted more children lo join thus enhancing their confidence and sense of worth and belonging lo the community. 9. Inviting and attending multi-faith and multi-function meetings and events by the clergy or members of the Syriac community. 10. Obtained a sponsorship T2 and T5 license from the Home Office to recruit one priest and a religious worker from abroad. This is valid until November 2024. 11. Implement the necessary poliaes and reviewing the ￿maIn4ng ones. The degree to which the achievements and perfomiance during the year have benefited wider society: Within the Chrislian wider society. the charity provided seNices in drfferenl cities like Brighlon. Hove, Manchester, Birmingham, Coventry, Wales. Scolland. and Ireland. Some of those were of mixed denominations mainly Orthodox and Catholic Iraqis and Syrians who share the same culture and language and who put denominational difference aside. This is a posilNe step towards unity in Christ. Visiting clergy from outside the UK continue lo benefit from hospitalily at Ihe Syriac Cent￿. The Scouts Association benefited from our membership as Sl Thomas Syriac s￿￿1$. The charily shared its views and culture wTrlh other faiths and denominats'ons to enhance an atmosphere of peace and tolerance. The donations made by the charity to the sisterly church abroad (Brazil) enabled it to develop and sustain their services in the country. SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MA Y2024 The Significant Charitable A¢livities Undertaken in the Year: The Charity assisls with the smooth running of the church to allow the parishioners lo practice their faith. Also. il assists with publishing news about the church activities ils members. It helps lo provide the facilities for the parishioners as well as the local community lo use the Charity's premises such as a day Gare nursery. The Charity, from lime lo time. oversees the colleclion of donations from its members, olher supporters and organisations to help the needy and displaced people and those suffering from natural disasters abroad. The Charity with help from its members organises scKial events. parties and trips. The Charity atlends meeting of other similar organisatsons and collaborate wilh other churches to help the people in need. The Charily. through its dergy, participates in meets'ngs to promote the Spirit of ecumenism and lo advance peace in the world especially the Middle East. The Charily is still conlribuling financially to support NHS research efforts on Covid-19. How the Achlevements during the Year Measure up to the Obj¢clives Sel: The provision of extra spa￿ for the nursery (the small hall) gave further suslainability to the Charity income and helped lo meet the demand of the local community. 2. The rental properties are bringing in sustainable income and satisfied tenants. 3. The upstairs church11 st floor al 1 Amistrong Road) is being used for Educational and cultural purposes.. Sunday school. music lessons elc. The Rural property is providing support for the spirilual welfare of the clergy and also a welcome retreat for the congregation during the spring and summer months. Investment Performance against the Investment Objectives: The income from the rent of the flats in the Syriac Centre {now 7 in total) plus the Nursery as well as from the rent of the Iwo properties al 33 Old Oak Road and 52 First Avenue. continue to provide the charity's financial plan. This is in addilion to the continuous generous donats.ons from parishioners and friends. SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024 Structure, governance and management The Methods Used to Recruit and Appoint New Charity Trustees: Trustees are selected based on the Members section of the Charity's ArticSe of Association. New Irustees can be added provided that their total number does nol exceed eight at p￿Sent. The existing trustees announce Ihe need to elect new trustees lo the charity within a reasonable lime. Nominations are invited from eligible parishioners by submitting brief CV and future working plan on how lo help improve the running of the charity. During a General Meeting. the charity members will vote lo elect the Irustees if the number of the nominations exceeds seven. otherwise. if the number is seven or less, then the nominees will be considered elected. Tho Policies and Procedures for the Induction and Tralning of Trustèes- The procedure for the training of trustees is to provide each one with Yhe Essential Trustee" publication Ihat is provided by the Charity Commission. The Charity's poliaes are: Health and Safety Policy Ipublishedl. 2. Fire Policy (published). 3. Safeguarding Policy {published). Equality Policy {publishedl. Finance (published). 6. Complaints Policy (under review). 7. Recruilmenl Policy (under review). 8. GDPR and Confidentiality Policy (under further review). The Chanty has five approved DBS personnel. Provision are being prepared for all those who will be in contact with vulnerable people lo obtain DBS checks. A new safeguarding procedure has been circulated to the trustees. Fire Risk Assessment was prepared and being implemented accordingly and in the process of being updated. A Fire Policy, and Evacuation procedure are in place. None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the Gompany and guaranlee lo contfibule £1 in the event of a winding up. The Charity's Organisational Structure and How the Charlty Makès Decisions and Delegatès.. The Charity's board of Trustees acts as a Management Team. The Board of Directors (Trusleesl can form sub-grovps. The sub￿rOupS can be led by one or more truslees and joined by volunteering members of the charity appointed in consultalion with Ihe Bishop from within the parishioners lo form joinl commillees. The joinl committees will help the Trustees in the day to day running of various church activities and responsible for implementing policies. The final decisions a￿ taken by the charity truslees and sometimes after consulting church's archbishop. The Trustees along with those members of Ihe commillees can 21$0 form other sub commillees with other volunleers from within the church parishioners lo look after spiritual, social. cultural and olher needs and requir8ments of the church and it5 people in different parts ol the UK. SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024 The Chief Executlve Officor and Oth¢r Senior Management Pernonnel to Whom Day to Day Management 18 Do1ogat•d: All the Trustees of the Chanty work CL*lleclively lo manage the day to day work of Charity. Setting Pay and Romunoration of Key IAanagemont Por¥onnel: All the chanty trustees are volunteers. They do not receive payment or remuneration from the charity. Employment of Disabled Pernons: The charity employs dergy pefsonnel only. Al present, Ihe Chanty employs less than 5 dergy and none of them is registèred as a disabled person to the Chanty's best of knowledge. Whenever posts will be available there will be no dixrimination towards applicants either as pern)a￿nt rnembers of staff or as volunteers. The Charity as a Part of a Wlder Network: The Charity has no responsibilty for nor is it answerable lo any other organisation The Charity as part of It5 relationships wrth other groups. chanlies and IndiV￿ualS is prepared to prowde them with space and support when required If it Is possible. for which they will Incur a fee. Occasionally. the Charity may provide the space al a reduced rate depending on need and ability to pay with the provision that the applicant should be member of the Charity. local community or charities of benefit lo our Chanty or local community. The Charity's Relatlonships with Related Partlo$: The Syrian Orthodox Church Is a chantabk company and does not have subsidianes. 10- SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024 Financial review The Trusteos. Bankers and Advisors: Bankers.. HSBC Bank, 184 High Street. Bromley. Kenl. BR1 1HE Barclays Bank PLC, Barclays Business. 81183 Victoria Road, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 4PD Solicitors Al￿ell$ Solicitors LLP. 88 St John's Wood High Street. London, NW8 7SH Accountant Bassam Sara, B.S Accounls Ltd. 15 Ranfudy Road, Sutton. Surrey. SM13JB The Charlty s Financial Position at the End of the Year Ended 31 May 2024 The financial position of the chafity at 31 May 2024 armd comparatives for the prior period, as more fully detailed in the accounts, can be summarised as follows'.- 2024 2023 Net Income 173,118 217.541 Unrestricted Revenue Fund54.015.927 available for the general purposes of the charity 3,842.809 Restricted Revenue Funds Total Funds 4.015.927 3.842.809 The board of trustees are satisfied with Ihe perfofmance ol the charity during the year and the posilion at 31 May 2024 and consider that the charity is in a strong posilion lo continue ils activities dunng the coming year. and that the charity's assets are adequate to fulfil ils obligalions. The Slalemenl of Financial Activities show nel incoming resources for the year of a revenue nature of £173,916 (prior year - £217.841 } and net realised incoming resources of a capital nature of £nil (prior year £nill. making nel overall realised incoming resources of £173,916 (prior year- £217,841). The total reserves at the yearfs end sland at £4.015,927 (prior year £3.842.809) Free unreslricled liquid reserves were £4.015,927 (prior year £3.842.809). Speafic changes in fixed assels are detailed in the noles lo the accounts. Policies on R¢s¢rves: The charity has lolal free unreslricled liquid reserves of £4.015.927 al the year end. £4,602,064 of which is invested in the charity s properties. leaving a deficit of £586. 137 in deficit on free liquid reserves_ Of the amount of £586,137, an arnounl of £689.825 is represenled by long tem creditors, leaving free unreslricled revenue reserve in deficit by £103.688. The IFuslees have resolved to establish reserves excluding funds required for the propety lo provide for future activities. and lo provide funding for the expecled unrestricted oxpenditure for six month ahead in the sum of £160.000 and are taking steps to achieve this. 11 SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MA Y 2024 Availability and Adequacy of Assets of Each of the Funds: The board of trustees is satisfied Ihal the charity's assets in each fund are available and adequate to fulfil its obligations in respect of each fund. bearing in mind the events described in note 15 to the accounts. when taken with known future income streams. Investment Policy and Investment Objectives: The current financial policy is to use the new renovated building and the income generated by the existing and future assets to further the objecls of Ihe charity. Rlsks and Uncertainties Faclng the Charity: The identified risks are the increase in loan level incurred by Ihe charily due lo Ihe purchase of the Church al 1 Armstrong Road. Additionally. the added costs are those related to continuous renovation WO￿ and improvements. The income from renting the hall to the day nursery may be affected by Ofslead sp￿la1 measures. This could lead to reduclion in the money generated by the renl. This risk is miligaled by the fact Ihal.. the charity owns its assets, which are freehold5, and it has a pro-active managemenl committee lo oversee all future reviews and developments. Furthemiore. the professional image of the charity is well established. This is illustrated by the expansion of ils assets and the amount of donations contributed by ils members and other donors. Moreover, the charity has been acknowledged by olher organisations and several h￿h profiled people. There is a difficulty in getting members lo ￿MMIt time for the meetings and actual work. This leads lo the work load being shouldered by few members. Risks may anse relating to the differences between the Chrislian faith and secular Govemment policies. The Charity will have lo abide by the Church's Christian dogma. Factors Likely to Affect Futuré Financial Pèrfonnance: The church parishioners are knovm lo rally around if there will be future projecl to help the community or in response lo an appeal lo help needy people. or lo raise donations or provide bans when there is a need to purchase or renovate a property. Princlpal Funding Sources in the Year and How These Support the Key Objectives of the Charity: Donations were received from a variety of sources, and these are set out in detail in the notes lo the accounts. Plans for the Future Summary of Plans for the Fulure and Ihè Trustees. Perspectlve of the Future Directlon of th¢ Charity: Plans lo enhance youth seNices via digilal means. 2. Plans to upgrade the rural property buildings and enhance the community activities to use the space more effectively. 3. To recruit one more priest andlor religious worker to support the congregations outside London. 4. Plan and assist the clergy to establish more parishes UK wde. To fonn Scout groups in other parishes. 6. Ensure continued support for overseas families especially vTrctims of disasters. 12- SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024 Detsils of the Auditor: In accordan(* with the company's arh'cles. 8 resolution proposing that Fawley Judge & Easlon bè reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting. Disclosure of infomiation to audilor The trustees stale that so far as each of the trustees at the bme this report was approved are aware. 44. There Is no relevanl audit Information las defined by section 418131 of the Companies Acl 2006) of which the auditors are unaware. and, 45. The Iruslees have taken a51 steps that they oughl to have tsken lo make themselves awafe of any ￿levant audit infonnatson and establish that the auditor5 are aware of that infomation. The trustees, report was approved by the Board of Trustees. Dr A Al-Khoury Trustee Dated. 7 February 2025 13- SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024 The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the temis of the Companies Act 2006. the Charities Act 2011 and the Chanties (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. NO￿lthStandIng the expliut requirement In the extant statutory regulations, the Chanties (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. to prepare the finanryal statements In accordance with the SORP 2005, In v￿W of the fact that the SORP 2005 has been withdrawn. the Trustees determined lo Interp￿1 this responsibility as requiring them lo follow current besl practice and prepare the accounts according to the FRS 102 SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice for Accountirrfj and Reporting by Charities) 2015 las amended by the Bulletin issued in February 20161. In particular. the Companies Act 2006 and charity law require the Board of Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the chanty as at the end of the financial year and of the surplus or deficit of the chanty. In preparing those finanual stalemenls the Board is required lo. to prepare the accounts in accordance with United Kingdom Generalty A￿pIed AC￿Untrn9 Prac11￿ {Uniled Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable lawl. se￿cl suitable accounbng poliaes and apply them cnnsistently.. make judgements and esbmates that are reasonable and prudenl. prepare the finanaal statements on the going concem basis unless il is inappropriate lo presume that thè charity will continue in bu3ines3' stale whether applicable aC￿Unting slandards and statements of recommended practi￿ have been followed. subject to any material departures disclosed and explained In the finanoal statements., The law requires that the trustees musl not approve the accounts unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the stale of affaits of the chanty and of the surplus or defiot of Ihe chanty for the year. The Trustees are also responsible for maintaining adequate accounting recofds which disclose with reasonable accuracy al any time the finanoal posibon of the charity and which are suffiuenl to show and explain the charity's Iransactions and enable them to ensure that the finanaal stalements comply with the Companies Act 2006 and comply with regulations made under the Charities Act. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonab￿ steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other Irregulanties. The Trustees are also responsible for the contents of the Trustees. report. and the statutory responsibility of the auditor In relation to the Trustees. report Is limited to examining the report and ensunng Ihal. the report is consistent with the figures disdosed in the financial statements. 14- SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH Opinion We have audited the financial statements of Syrian Orthodox Church Ithe 'charity'l for the year ended 31 May 2024 which comprise the statement of financial activities. the balanc£ sheet. the statement ol cash flows and noles lo the financial statements, including significanl accountsng poli￿$. The finanaal reporbng framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic ol Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Prathcel. In our opinion. the finanryal statements". give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 May 2024 and of rts incoming resources and application of resour￿5. for Ihe year then ended. have been properly prepared In accordance with United Kingdom Genefalty Accepted Accountsng Practsce," and have been prepared In a￿OrdanCe with the requirements of the Companies Act 201￿. Ba81$ for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with Intematsonal Standards on Auditing IUKI IISAS IUKII and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are fiJrther described in the Auditors r8sponsibilities for the audit of the financial statemgnts section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requi￿rnents that are relevant to our audil of the financial statement$ In the UK, Including the FRC'S Ethical Sianoard. and we have fulfilw our olher ethical responsibilitie$ In accordan￿ wth these requirements. We beI￿ve that the audit eviden￿ we have obtained Is suffityeni and appropnate lo provide a basis for our opinion. Conclusions rolating to going concem In auditing the financial statements. we have concluded that the trustees, use of the going concefn basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have perfonr*ed. we have not thntified any material Un￿rtaIntieS relating to events or conditions that. individually or collectively. may cast significant doubl on the chanty's ability to continue as a going concern for a penod of at least ￿e1ve months from when the finanryal statements a￿ authorised for ￿SUe. Our responsibilities and the responsibilrties of the trustees with respect to going concem are descnbed in the relevant sections of this report. Othor infonnation The other Information compnses the Information Induded in the annual report other than the finanaal statements and our auditorfs ￿port Ihereon. The trustees are responsib￿ for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial slalements does not cover the other Inforrnabon and we do not express any form of assurano condusion thereon. Our responsibility Is lo read the other Infonnation and, in doing so, considor whether the other Infomation 1$ materially Inconsistent wilh the financial slalements or our knOw￿dge obtained In the course ol the audit, or otherwise appears to be matenally misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent malenal misstatements. we are required lo detemine whether this gives rise to a material misslalement in the finan￿31 statements themsefves. If, based on Ihe work we have perfomed. we condude that Ihere Is malenal misstalement of this other Infomiation. we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report In this regard. Matters on which we are requirnd to report by exception We have nothing lo report In respect of the foll¢)wing matters In relation lo which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion. the Infomialion given In the financial statements Is inconsistent In any material respect with the tfuslees, report. or sufficient accounting re¢ord3 have not been kept". or the financial statements are not In agreement with the accounting records." or we have not received all the infomation and expLinations we require for our audit. 15- SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH Responsibilities of trustees As explained more fully in the statement of trustees, responsibilities, the trustees, who are also the directors of the charily for the purpose of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial slatements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. and for such intemal control as Ihe trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement. whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the finanrAal statements. the trustees a￿ responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going conorn. disdosing. as applicable. matters related to going con￿rn and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees erther intend to liquidale the charitable company or to cease operats'ons, or have no realistic aftemative bul to do so. Auditorfs responsibilities for the audit of the financial ststsments We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charlties Act 2011 and report in accordance with Ihe Act and relevant regulations made or hawng effed thereunder. Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the finanaal statements as a whole are free from material misstalernenl. whether due to fraud or error. and lo issue an audrtorfs report that indudes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAS (UK) will a￿ayS detect a material misstatement when it exisls. Misstatements ¢an arise from fraud or errof and are considered material if. individually or in the aggregate. they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. The extent lo which our procedures a￿ capable of deteth'ng irregularities. including fraud, is detailed below. A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council's website at.. https.'Il W*VW.frc.org.uklauditorsresponsibilities. This description fomis part of our audilorfs report. This report is made solely lo the company's members. as a body, in accordance with section 391 of the Companies Ad 2014. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company's members those matters we are required lo state to them in an audito¢s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent pemiitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report. or for the opinions we have formed. Jona an eathley {Senlor Auditor) nd on behalf of Fawley Judge & Easton 7 February 2025 Chartered Certlfled Accountants Statutory Auditor 1 Parllament Street Hull East Yorkshire HU12AS Fawley Judge & Easton is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006. 16- SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MA Y 2024 Unrostrictsd funds 2024 Unrestricted funds 2023 Restricted fund$ 2023 Total 2023 Nol•8 Income from: Donation5 and legaaes Investments 215.138 243 497 233.786 244.435 53.540 287.326 244.435 Total Incomo 458.635 478.221 53.540 531.761 Expenditure on: Chanlable activities 285.517 260,680 53.540 314,220 Totsl expenditure 285,517 260.680 53,540 314,220 Net income and movement in funds 173.118 217.541 217.541 Reconciliation of funds: Fund balances at 1 June 2023 3.842.809 3,625,268 3,625.268 Fund balancès at 31 May 2024 4.015.927 3.842,809 3,842,809 The slalement of financial activities indudes all gains and losses recognised in the yeaT. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH BALANCE SHEET ASAT31 MAY2024 2024 2023 Notss Flxed assets Tangible assets Current assets Oebtors Cash at bank and In hand 11 4.606,227 4,700.299 12 740 119.935 105.360 105,360 120,675 Creditors: amounts falling duo within one year 14 15.8351 (6.3541 Net Current assets 99.525 114.321 Total as$6ts1oss currenl liablllti08 4,705,752 4,814.620 Creditorn: amounts falling duo after rnoro than one year 15 1689,8251 1971,8111 Net assets 4.015,927 3,842,809 Incomo funds Unreslricled funds 4.015.927 3,842.809 4.015,927 3.842.809 The company is enliiled to the exemption from the audit requirement contsined in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006. for the year ended 31 May 2024, atlhough an audil has been carr￿d out uTrJef section 144 of the Charities Act 2011. The directors acknowledge their responsibilrttes for comptying with the requi￿rnents of the Companies Act 20C6 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial slalements under the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. for the year in question in ac£ordance with section 476. These financial statements have been p￿pared in awrdance with the provisions applicable lo companies subject to the small companies regime. The finanual statemen15 were approved by the Trustees on 7 February 2025 Mrs B Kassir Trusts• Company Rogistralion No. 04766548 18- SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MA Y 2024 2024 2023 Noles Cash flowa from oporatlng a¢tivitie* Cash generated from operats.ons 19 30,892 70.096 Inve8tlng a¢tivltio8 Purchase of tangible fixed assets Investment IncL*me recesved 110.599) 243.497 IB50.2401 244,435 Net cash generated froml{u8ed In) Investlng a¢livlli 232.898 {605.8051 Financing activities Repayment of bank loans 1278,3651 (75.058) Net cash used in finan¢lng acllvlties 1278.3651 175,0581 Not docrease in cash and cash equivalonts (14.575) 1610,7671 Cash and cash equivalents al beginning of year 119.935 730,702 C98h and cash oqulv•l•nts at end of year 105.360 119.935 19- SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024 Accounting policies Charlty infomialion Synan Orthodox Church Is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The re91Stered office 15 7-11 Armstrong Road. London, WJ 7JL. 1.1 Accounling convention The financial statements have ￿en prepared In accordance with the charity's Igoverning documentl, the Companies Act 20C6. FRS 102 "The Financial Repothng Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" I'FRS 102-1 and the Chanlies SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Pradice applicable lo chanties preparing their a¢￿Unts in accordanG8 with the Financial Reporting Siandard applicable In the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 1021" leffectsve 1 January 20191. The charity Is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements are prepared in slerfing. which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £. The financial slalements have been prepared under the hisloncal cost convention. Imodified lo include the revaluation ol freehold propertses and to Include Investment properbe3 and certain finanaal instruments at fair valuel. The pnncipal a¢¢ounting policies adopted are set out below. 1.2 Going concern At the time of approving the finanaal statements, Ihe Irustees have a reasonab￿ expectslion that the chanty has adequate reSoUr￿S to continue in operational existen￿ for the foreSeeatr￿e future. Thus the trustees o)nlinue to adopt the goir¥J ￿nCern basis of accounting In prepanng the financ￿1 statements. 1.3 Charitable fund$ Unrestricted fvnds are available for use ai the dISc￿tion of the trustees In furtheran￿ of their charitsble obiectsves. Restricted funds are subject lo specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restncted funds are set out in the notes to the finanoal slalements. ErKlowmenl fvnds a￿ subject to specific cond￿'0n$ by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity. 1.4 In¢ome Income Is recognised when the charity Is legally entitled lo Il after any perlornan￿ conditsons have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received. Cash donations are recognised on re￿ipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation. unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift or deeds of covenant is reco9nised at the ty.me of the donation. Legacies are Tecognised on receipt or otherwise If the charity has been notified of an impending distribution. the amount Is known. arKI receipt is expected. If the amount is not known. the legacy is Irealed as a c￿nts'ngent asset. 20- SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MA Y 2024 A¢counting policies (Conllnuod) 1.5 Exponditurn A liability, and the related expenditure. is recognised when a legal or constructive obligation exists as a resu of a past event. and when It is more likely than not that a transfer of economic beneffts will be required in settlement. and when Ihe amount of the obligabon can be measured or Teliably estimated. Liabilities arising from futufe funding commitrnents and constructive obligations. Induding perfomiance related grants, where the timing or the amount of the future expendilure required to settle the obligation are uncertain. 91ve rise lo a provision In the acLounts. which is reviewed al the accounting year end. The provision is ncreased to reflect any increases in Iiabilitie5. and is decreased by the ublisalion of any provision within the penod, and reversed if any provision Is no longer required. These movernenls are charged or credited to the respective hjnds and athvities to which the provision relates. Direcl costs that are speoficalty ffjlated to an ath.vity are allocated to that activity. Shared direct costs and support costs are apportioned be￿n aclivrt*s. The basis for apportionment. whth is consistenuy applEd. and proportionate to the circumstances, is "_ Staffing - on the basis of time spent in connection wrth any particular activity. Premises related costs - on the proportion of floor area occupied by a particular activity. Non specific support costs - on the basis of the us4e of resources. in terns of tt.me tsken, capacity used, request made or other measures Estimation technbques used in apportioning costs - none 1.6 Tangible fixed assots Tangible fixed assets are inrtialty measured at cost arKI subsequently measured at cost or valuation. net of depreciation and any impaim)enl losses. Oepreciation is ￿cOgnised so as to write off the cost or valuab.on of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases Freehold land and buildings Plant and equipment Motor vehicles 2Vtr on a slraighl line basis 200/0 on a straighl line ba51S 25Vty on a straight line basis The gain or loss ansing on the disposal of an asset is delemiined as the difference be￿een the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset. and Is recognised in the ststement of financial activities. 1.7 Impairment of fixèd assets At each reporting end dale. the chanty ￿vIewS Ihe carying amounts of its tangibk assets lo delemine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impaim)ent loss. If any such Indication exists. the recoverabbe amount of the asset ts esbmated in order to detemine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). 1.8 Cash and cash equivalonts Cash and cash equivalents Include cash in hand. deposits held al call with banks. other short-term liquid investments with ongin31 maturities of three months or less. and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowngs in current liabilit￿s. 21 SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024 Accounting policies (Continued) 1.9 Financial instruments The charity has elected to apply the prowsions of Seth'on 11 '8asic Finanaal Instruments, an