2023-03-31-accounts

CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1110650

St. Thomas Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Church Receipts and payments accounts

For the year ended

31 March 2023

XAVIERS ACCOUNTANTS LIMITED

Chartered Certified Accountants Suite 3J Recycling Lives Centre 1A Essex Street Preston PR1 1QE

St. Thomas Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Church

Financial Statements

Year ended 31 March 2023

	Pages
Trustees' annual report	1 to 6
Independent examiner's report to the trustees	7
Receipts and payments accounts	8-9

St. Thomas Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Church

Trustees' Annual Report

Year ended 31 March 2023

Reference and administrative details

Registered charity name St. Thomas Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Church Charity registration number 1110650 Principal office St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church Mill Lane West Derby Liverpool L12 7JA The trustees Mr Linz Aiynattu Mr Mathews Varghese Dr George Kuruvilla Mr Kurian Varkey Paulose Mr Dino Kurian Mr Nikson Thomas Mr Aji Paul George Rev Happy Jacob Mr Biju John Mr Laison John Mr Saju Oommen Mr Anzy Skaria HG Abraham Thomas Bishop Mr Shajan Mathew Marucoikal Eappen Mr Sunil Koshy Independent examiner Mijos Xavier ACA, FCCA Xaviers Accountants Limited Chartered Certified Accountants Suite 3J Recycling Lives Centre 1A Essex Street Preston PR1 1QE

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St. Thomas Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Church

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023. The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on page 1.

Structure, governance and management

Governing document

The trust is an unincorporated trust, constituted under a trust deed dated 18 OCTOBER 2003 and is a registered charity, number 1110650.

Governance and structure

St Thomas Indian Orthodox Church Liverpool is a parish affiliated to and constituted by the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church also known as the Indian Orthodox church founded in India by St Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Lord Jesus Christ. This is presently administrated by His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, Catholics of the East and Malankara Metropolitan, Successor to the Apostolic Thorne of the St Thomas.

St Thomas Indian Orthodox Church Liverpool is under the direct episcopal authority of H.G. Dr. Abraham Mar Stephanos, Metropolitan of the Diocese of UK, Europe and Africa which is subject to the authority of Holy Episcopal Synod of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.

Rev Fr Happy Jacob, the current vicar leads the parish during the report year whose spiritual and administrative contributions helped in the growth of the church.

General Body and Managing Committee Meeting Office Bearers for the year 2022 - 2023

Annual General Body Meeting held on 6th March 2022 unanimously elected the Managing Committee for the 2022 - 2023 as follows:

Hon. Secretary - Mr Shajan Mathew Marucoikal Eappen

Hon. Treasurer - Mr Saju Oommen

Committee Member - Mr Anzy Skaria

Committee Member - Mr Biju John

Committee Member - Mr Linz Aiynattu

Committee Member - Mr Dino Kurian Committee Member - Mr Laison John

Committee Member - Mr Nikson Thomas

Ex - Officio - Mr. Aji Paul George

Internal Auditor - Mr Sunil Mathew

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St. Thomas Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Church

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

Structure, governance and management (continued)

Ammos Representative - Mr Linz Aiynattu

Sunday School Representative - Mrs Blessy Shajan

MMVS Representative - Mrs Elizabeth Biju

Youth Representative - Miss Reshma Jose

The election has been approved by Diocesan Metropolitan vide order UK/LPL/22/038 on the 29thApril 2022.

The general Body held on 19th June2022 (GB2022 - 2023/02) approved the Budget for the year 2022 - 2023. Hon Treasurer Mr. Saju Oommen presented budget for the year 2022 - 2023.

The Half - Yearly General Body held on 6th November 2022 discussed Half - yearly account.

Mr. Sunil Mathew has been elected as the Malankara Syrian Christian Association Representative (2022 -2027) on the general body meeting held on 1st May 2022.

As of 31st March 2023, we have a total membership of 77 registered families. Steady growth in new membership has continued during this reporting year. We thank every member of the church and acknowledge their generous contributions in many ways, which helped in the progress of our Church.

The Managing Committee met 10 times during the year 2022-2023 to plan and co-ordinate day to day church activities.

I thank each committee members for their cooperation, dedication and hard work.

Objectives and activities

Objectives of the Charity

Charity's objectives are to provide a cultural religious and socio-religious base for the Indian Orthodox Community in the Merseyslde, Warrington and Chester area. In setting our objectives, and planning our activities, we have given careful consideration to Charity Commission's guidelines on public benefit.

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St. Thomas Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Church

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

Achievements and performance

The following activities were held aiming towards the achievement of the said objectives.

Worship and Pastoral Care

The Holy Qurbana is celebrated on every first and third Sunday of every month. Food is provided after Holy Qurbana since September 2022.When there is five Sundays in a month Holy Qurbana in English is conducted on the fifth Sunday.

Feast

During this financial year, the parish celebrated and validated various events and service.

Christmas Carol Service - The church had Christmas service Holy Qurbana, Carol singing, and Children's nativity play on Christmas Eve 24th December 2022.

New Year Service - The church had New Year Service Holy Qurbana on New Years Eve 31st December 2022.

Convention, Perunal and Harvest Festival - We celebrated our Convention on 15th of October, which is led by Rev. Fr. Liju Varghese. Perunal and Harvest festival on 16th of October 2022. It was a fruitful and colourful event, where all our Parish members have contributed their efforts to fulfil the needs of our church, and everyone have witnessed a wonderful cultural programme. Youth had conducted a Raffle.

Holy Week Service 2022-2023 - Passion Week Services was conducted by Rev Fr Happy Jacob. We were blessed with evening prayers at church, and everyone had the opportunity for Holy Confession.

Charity Projects - We have contributed £2000 towards the charity (Vijin Varghese) in UK during the last financial year 2022-2023

Lenteen Retreat - One day retreat was conducted by Rev Fr Zacharia John on 18th March 2022.

Events

Parish Day - We have celebrated our parish day on 29th of January 2023 which has been coordinated by Mr. M V Mathews & Mr. Rijo John. All the spiritual organisations have presented their annual reports. Parish members have conducted various programmes, followed by prize distribution for Sunday School Children. Youth has organized snacks for the evening.

Picnic - We had a one-day picnic from our church on 26th of June 2022 to Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire. which was organised by Mr Anzy Skariah. 82 members participated in the church picnic and thanks to Rev Fr Happy Jacob & Kochamma Annie Jacob for their delicious breakfast and evening snacks.

Onam - We have celebrated Onam in our church with delicious Onam Sadhya on 4th of September after Holy Qurbana. Thanks to the coordinators Mr Biju John and Mrs Rani Jacob for their efforts to make the event a success.

Meet and Greet - We have organised a meet and greet on 25th September 2022 at 2 pm in our church to meet and greet the new members. Barbeque chicken / Kappa was provided. Games were organised by the Youth members. It was a memorable event.

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St. Thomas Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Church

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

Spiritual Organisation

Sunday School

Sunday school classes were held on 1st and 3rd Sundays of every month after Holy Qurbana. 74 students were enrolled from reception to year 12. We would like to express our gratitude to Mrs Blessy Shajan for her continued devotion as Sunday School headteacher and Dr. Ron Jacob as assistant headteacher. Total number of teachers served this year were 18.

10 Students were the winners of church level competition. Zonal competitions were recorded and send to OSSAE UK. These participants were given memento as a token of appreciation by OSSAE UK.OVBS was conducted during the period October 27th to 30th. OVBS was coordinated by Mrs Elizabeth Laison and Mr Anzy Skaria.

OCYM Activities

We have 25 OCYM members in our church and they are active in worships and other church activities. We would like to thank all the members of youth movement for their countless efforts and hard work. We would also like to express our gratitude to youth secretary Miss Reshma Jose for her hard work and coordination during 2022-2023.

MMVS

12th Annual Report of Martha Mariam Vanitha Samajam of St Thomas Indian Orthodox Church Liverpool. Every month MMVS is conducting prayer meeting on last Friday in church. Also, we are having meeting after our Holy Qurbana every Sunday under the leadership of Rev Fr Happy Jacob. Thank you, Achen, for your inspiring messages and spiritual leadership. We would like to thank Mrs Elizabeth Biju for her efforts towards all the activities of MMVS. We would like to congratulate Mrs Lini Kurian for being elected as the Treasurer for MMVS UK.

AMOSS Liverpool

We have 20 altar boys to serve the Altar who are dedicated to do their allocated assignments. We would like to congratulate Mr Linz Aiyanattu for coordinating the Altar boys. Also thanking our Vicar Rev Fr Happy Jacob for educating and guiding our altar boys.We are expecting every parish member prayer and support for all our future services in Altar. And we are grateful for all the parents who are taking initiative to bring their kids before the Holy Qurbana.

Visits

Our Diocesan Bishop H. G. Dr. Mathews Mar Thimothios visited our church on 4th September 2022.

Our New Diocesan Bishop H.G. Dr. Abraham Mar Stephanos visited our church on 3rd and 4th December 2022.

Visit of Priests:

1. Rev Fr Kuriakose Eappen - 10/04/2022

2. Rev Fr Rohit Scaria Georgy - 01/05/2022

3. Rev Fr C K Thomas - 05/06/2022

4. Rev Fr Josen John - 21/08/2022

5. Rev Fr Liju Varghese -16/10/2022

6. Rev Fr Zacharia John -18/03/2023

Farewell meeting

We have given farewell to Mr Cyril John in June 2022 after the Holy Qurbana who has gone for studies in seminary Kottayam. We can assure that you will be remembered in our prayers as you start your new journey of faith and personal growth.

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St. Thomas Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Church

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

Welcome Thirumeni

We have welcomed our new Diocesan Bishop H.G. Dr. Abraham Mar Stephanos of UK, Europe & Africa on 4th of December 2022 after the Holy Qurbana.

Financial review

The charity's principal funding source is from donations of £76,503 (2022: £122,174). Overheads remained fairly consistent.

Reserve policy

It is policy of the charity to maintain unrestricted funds at a level which equates to approximately twelve months unrestricted expenditure. This provides sufficient funds to cover management and administration and support costs.

Plans for future periods

Conclusion & Word of thanks

Let me thank God Almighty for giving the opportunity to serve as the secretary of this blessed Parish. My sincere thanks to our Diocesan Bishop H.G. Dr.Abraham Mar Stephanos, Parish Vicar Rev Fr Happy Jacob, Hon Treasurer Mr Saju Oommen and all Committee members and all parish members for the support and guidance to me to complete the tenure.

Let me conclude by expressing my sincere gratitude for all who supported me throughout this year. May the intercession and prayers of Saint Mary, our Patron Saint Thomas, Sant George and all other Saints lead his Parish and us to greater heights in the future.

We pledge our loyalty to His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews lll, the successor on the apostolic throne of St Thomas, The Catholicos of the East and to our Diocesan Metropolitan H.G. Dr. Abraham Mar Stephanos

May God bless us all.

The trustees' annual report was approved and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:

Mr Shajan Mathew Marucoikal Eappen Trustee

Date: 23 October 2023

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St. Thomas Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Church

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of St. Thomas Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Church

Year ended 31 March 2023

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of St. Thomas Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Church ('the charity') for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or

2. the accounts do not accord with those records.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Mijos Xavier ACA, FCCA Independent Examiner

Xaviers Accountants Limited Chartered Certified Accountants Suite 3J Recycling Lives Centre 1A Essex Street Preston PR1 1QE

Date: 24 October 2023

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	ST. THOMAS INDIAN (MALANKARA) ORTHODOX CHURCH					1110650			CC16a
	Receipts andpayments accounts
	For the period from		Period start		To	Period end date
			01-Apr-22				31-Mar-23
Section A Receipts andpayments
	Unrestricted funds		Restricted funds		Endowment funds		Total funds		Last year
	to the nearest £		to the nearest £		to the nearest £		to the nearest £		to the nearest £
A1 Receipts
Donations and collections	47,391		-		-		47,391		42,749
Events and Spiritual Organisations	11,633		-		-		11,633		5,678
HMRC Gift aid 21-22	15,437		-		-		15,437		15,840
VAT return	-		-		-		-		15,299
Interest received	-		-		-		-		2
Church rent income	910		-		-		910		-
Sunday auction	197		-		-		197		-
Refund From SSEgas	935		-		-		935		-
Building Fund donation	-		-		-		-		18,605
Loan	-		-		-		-		24,000
			-		-		-		-
Sub total(Gross income for AR)	76,503		-		-		76,503		122,174
A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table).
	-		-		-		-
	-		-		-		-		-
Sub total	-		-		-		-		-
Total receipts	76,503		-		-		76,503		122,174
	Unrestricted funds		Restricted funds		Endowment funds		Total funds		Last year
	to the nearest £		to the nearest £		to the nearest £		to the nearest £		to the nearest £
A3 Payments
Event expenses	14,199		-		-		14,199		7,525
Donations	2,100		-		-		2,100		1,435
Miscellaneous expenses	2,133		-		-		2,133		4,479
Clergy	11,651		-		-		11,651		9,951
Building Maintenance & Utility	14,681		-		-		14,681		9,816
Loan Repayment	16,327		-		-		16,327		11,000
building renovation	-		-		-		-		194,680
			-		-		-
**Sub total **	63,422		-		-		63,422		239,035
A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table)
	-		-		-		-
	-		-		-		-
**Sub total **	-		-		-		-		-
Totalpayments	63,422		-		-		63,422		239,035
Net of receipts/(payments)	13,081		-		-		13,081		- 116,861
A5 Transfers between funds	-		-		-		-		-
A6 Cash funds lastyear end	13,164		-		-		13,164		130,025
Cash funds thisyear end	26,245		-		-		26,245		13,164

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Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period	Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period	Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period	Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period	Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period	Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
Categories	Details				Unrestricted funds		Restricted funds		Endowment funds
					to nearest £		to nearest £		to nearest £
B1 Cash funds	Cash at bank				26,245		-		-
					-		-		-
							-		-
	Total cash funds				26,245		-		-
					Unrestricted funds		Restricted funds		Endowment funds
	Details				to nearest £		to nearest £		to nearest £
B2 Other monetary assets					-		-		-
					-		-		-
					-		-		-
	Details				Fund to which asset belongs		Cost (optional)		Current value (optional)
B3 Investment assets							-		-
							-		-
							-		-
	Details				Fund to which asset belongs		Cost (optional)		Current value (optional)
B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use	Church building renovation costs				Unrestricted		290,275		-
	Details				Fund to which liability relates		Amount due (optional)		When due (optional)
B5 Liabilities	HSBC Bounce Back Loan				Unrestricted		12,682
	Cheques to be cleared				Unrestricted		2,300
							-
Signed by trustees on behalf of all the trustees	Signature				Print Name				Date of approval
					Mr Saju Oommen				23-Oct-23

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