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2021-03-31-accounts

CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1111562

St. George Indian Orthodox Church Receipts and payments accounts For the year ended 31 March 2021

XAVIERS ACCOUNTANTS LIMITED

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

St. George Indian Orthodox Church

Financial Statements

Year ended 31 March 2021

Page
Trustees' annual report 1
Independent examiner's report to the trustees 8
Receipts and payments accounts 9

St. George Indian Orthodox Church

Trustees' Annual Report

Year ended 31 March 2021

Vicar's Message

Dear St George Indian Orthodox Church Parish Members,

Thanking Almighty for all the wonderful blessings in the previous year showered on us.

Our church has published an annual report each year, and we have typically tried to keep the contents focused on what God has done in the previous year through us. But we recognize that we must acknowledge the unprecedented circumstances we have experienced as a church community during this period and the challenges we face from the global pandemic and the sufferings of pandemic victims in our country and all over the world. As a Church family works to shine the light of the gospel to help bring peace and prosperity to the whole creation, we also pause to acknowledge the incredible losses many have experienced (loss of life, livelihood, home) from COVID-19 and the immense challenges ahead for our Church and Country as we seek to bring about a more just society. We mourn the loss of so many lives caused by COVID-19 and pray for the many families in our churches and community who are coping with the loss of a loved one. We pray that our church community will live the words of Micah 6:8 - "And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" - and that we will be a family of churches that embodies the gospel in ways that bring justice, love and peace to our Society. We thank you for your sacrificial and prayerful support for the Church.

It was a privilege to serve alongside you in this period. We faced some unique challenges last year and it has been amazing to see God's provision through your service and sacrificial giving, even though it was a season of challenge. Throughout the year, you demonstrated a deep love and commitment to the Church and to the community. In this report book you can look over the activities and financial situation of our Church.

Praying for you all

In the service of our Lord

Rev Fr Happy Jacob

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St. George Indian Orthodox Church

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2021

Reference and administrative details Registered charity name St. George Indian Orthodox Church Charity registration number 1111562 Principal office 1 Ravenswood Drive. Bolton BL1 5AJ The trustees Mr Biben John Mr George Verghese Mr Shaji Varghese Mr Roy Samuel Independent examiner Mijos Xavier ACA FCCA Xaviers Accountants Limited Chartered Certified Accountants Suite 3O Recycling Lives Centre 1A Essex Street Preston PR1 1QE

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St. George Indian Orthodox Church

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2021

The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2021.

Structure, governance and management

We continued to meet the primary mission of the church, to meet the spiritual necessities of our community in the area. We continued pursuing our vision, notwithstanding the worldly challenges facing us, reflecting Faith, Hope and Charity at all times.

Governing document

The trust is an unincorporated trust, constituted under a Constitutions adopted on 24 APRIL 2005 and is a registered charity, number 1111562. The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on page 2.

Objectives of the Charity

Charity's objective is to promote the Orthodox Christian faith. In setting our objectives, and planning our activities, we have given careful consideration to Charity Commission's guidelines on public benefit.

Vicar

We had the privilege of Rev. Fr. Happy Jacob as our serving Vicar for this financial year under whose leadership and guidance we were able to overcome one of the most challenging times in our memory. It was with his unrelenting commitment, guidance, and support, we were able to continue with our spiritual requirements amidst the lockdown. He was instrumental in initiating the daily Virtual Evening Prayers, which continues to this day. We as a community are thankful for all the support that our Vicar has given us during the last year.

Holy Qurbana

Due to the onset of the Pandemic and the subsequent Lockdown, our Spiritual activities were suspended and conducted in line with the mandatory requirements. When the lockdown rules were relaxed, we started virtual online streaming of the services and later services were attended by limited number of families. A Rota System was introduced based on membership numbers and initially a total of 5 families were allowed per service. As the lockdown eased further, a new system was introduced to accommodate up up to 15 Member families and 5 Non-Member families. There were total of 9 Holy Qurbanas this year. The Christmas & New year services were cancelled due to the local lockdown. The Passion week services commenced this year on the 26th of March 2020 with 40th Friday Service, Hoshana Service on the 28th of March 2020 and the Pesaha Service on the 31st of March 2020. The Rest of the Passion week services were conducted in the new financial year. All the Qurbanas and the Passion week services were live streamed via online platforms like Zoom and YouTube.

Prayers for birthdays, wedding anniversaries, sick and the departed were offered during the Qurbana's and all the services. For the first time we introduced Online forms for members and worshippers to include prayer requests, and when Qurbana was not possible, the prayers for the above were done on the virtual Prabhatha Namaskaram held every Sunday by our Vicar Rev. Fr. Happy Jacob.

Acolytes

On behalf of all the members of the Church, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the dedicated service rendered by all the church acolytes starting from Mr. George Thomas, Mr. Daniel Varghese, Mr. Abraham Joseph, Mr. Shaji Varghese, Mr. Rueben Paul, Mr. Kurian George, Mr. Joshi K Eapen, Mr. Vinu George, Mr. Jinoj Philip, Dr. Christie Cherian, Mr. Benoyi Mathew, Mast. Sherwin Samuel, Mast. Ken Renji, Mast. Toby Shaji and Acolyte Initiate Mast. Ashlin Roy., who during this

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St. George Indian Orthodox Church

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2021

pandemic and lockdown had taken great efforts to continue the altar services. Special mention to Mr. Shaji Varghese for co-ordinating the Acolyte Rota system for all the Holy Services. I would also like to express gratitude to those Acolytes who visited our Church during feasts and special occasions.

General Body

Our Church is governed by the General Body directives in accordance with our Church Constitution. Due to the Onset of the pandemic, there was only one GB held virtually on the 14th of Feb 2021. The election was completed in the previous financial year and the following members were elected as the church managing committee for the year 2020-2021 at the general body meeting held on the Sunday 08th of March 2020.

Office Bearers

Managing Committee are as follows:

Annual G.B Meeting 2020-2021 (14thFeb 2021)

The First General Body of this financial year was convened virtually on Zoom to present the Financial Statement and the Annual report for the year 2019-2020. The GB was presided by Rev. Fr. Happy Jacob. Due to the pandemic, all the activities of the Church were closed for the entirety of this financial year. The Report was presented by the Mr. Benoyi Matthew (Trustee 2019-2020). The GB passed the accounts and authorised it to be presented to HMRC. The Annual report was presented by Mr. Litto Titus and was passed by GB. As per the directive from H H Bava Thirumeni, there was no elections conducted for the forthcoming financial year, the office bearers and the committee were authorised to continue.

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St. George Indian Orthodox Church

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2021

IMPORTANT G.B. DECISIONS TAKEN IN THE FINANCIAL YEAR OF 2020-2021

  1. Approval of Funds to Purchase a Camera and Laptop for Church Livestreaming and other Activities.

  2. Approval to conduct a survey of members in the proposal to purchase burial plots at the Overdale Cemetery and based on the result to proceed with required purchase.

3. To open a new Sub Account to maintain the Family Welfare Fund.

I would like to add that one of the main important achievements of this term's committee was the completion of the Canopy work at the side of the Church. In addition to this the Charity Food Drive in aid of Local Food Banks to support the public affected by the Pandemic, adapting to the new way of worship via virtual platforms with innovative methods and plans to accommodate members wishing to attend services, introduction of Rota System and Online forms, this committee was able overcome these challenges with a united front. As directed by GB, an Online Google form was published via WhatsApp to all members regarding the proposal to purchase burial plots at Overdale Cemetery. Based on the 39 Responses out of 68 Members, 36 Responses were in favour of purchasing the plots and 3 against. 8 Members agreed to purchase a total 11 Plots. A Core committee was formed to devise a plan and procure the plots. I would like to express my humble gratitude to Our Vicar, the Trustee, each and every committee member, for their relentless support and hard work. Lastly, I would also like to express my thanks to all the members of this congregation who have supported us and conformed to the all the new procedures and plans during this pandemic. This year has once again reiterated that our Church can achieve many things with our strong sense of unity.

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St. George Indian Orthodox Church

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2021

Objectives and activities

SPECIAL CHURCH EVENTS

The Great Lent

The Great lent period started in the previous financial year on the 23rd of Feb 2020. The Lockdown due to the pandemic gave us a new platform and during the Lent there was regular virtual Evening Prayers virtually via Zoom platform.

Passion Week

The lockdown forced all religious activities to be ceased, hence the Holy Week services were all special prayer services held virtually via Zoom, led by Rev. Fr. Happy Jacob.

This financial year ended with the Holy Passion week services with the very first service being the 40th Friday Special service on the 26th of March. Following this we had the Hoshana, Pesaha Vyazhan (Maundy Thursday) The Good Friday and Easter services were led by our Vicar Fr. Happy Jacob.

OVBS

The OVBS was a spiritually enriching program with plenty of learning, fun and good fellowship and it was a positive experience for the children who attended and the staff who led. OVBS was held from 15th November 2020 to 6th December 2020 (Four Sundays) via Zoom. The theme of OVBS was "Discern the will of God" -1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ. We had 64 children, 12 teachers. We were blessed with the presence of our Vicar Rev. Fr. Happy Jacob.

The classes were held over four Sundays. Children participated with great enthusiasm and devotion. The first OVBS session was inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Happy Jacob, followed by a session about Spirituality in the modern world, led by Fr Jessen V George, subsequently the second Sunday was about Growing in Christ led by Fr Rohith Skariah. The third OVBS session was about common issues facing teenagers led by Dr Sen Kallumpuram and lastly the 4th and the final session was about the influence of social media and its effect in our life, led by Fr Jobin from Salsburg. The programme would not be fruitful without the leadership of Vicar and the OVBS Coordinator. We are humbly thankful to Rev. Fr. Happy Jacob, Church managing committee and all the Sunday School teachers for their efforts and support.

Charity Food Drive

As a community we were all blessed with minimal impact of the Pandemic and the Lockdown. Our Christian values teaches us to help others in a time of need. Keeping this core value at heart, the committee deliberated and decided to conduct a Charity Food Drive. As our manpower was limited, it was decided to supply Foodbanks with the required supply of food. The committee allocated a £1,000 for this cause, and there was approximately another £1,500 donated by members. In total we were able to cover 6 weeks of donations to Food Banks in different parts of Greater Manchester.

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St. George Indian Orthodox Church

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2021

Due to the Pandemic and Lockdown the following activities were called off

Obituary

We also remember those parish members who lost their loved ones during the Last financial year and pray for the souls of the Departed. The names of those loved ones who reached the Abode of almighty are as follows:

We also remember and pray for all the Souls in our Wider Malankara Orthodox community who had lost their loved ones due to Covid 19.

Financial Review

The charity's principal funding source is from donations and from other activities.

Reserve policy

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

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

Mr George Verghese Trustee

Date: 15 November 2021

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St. George Indian Orthodox Church

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of St. George Indian Orthodox Church

Year ended 31 March 2021

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of St. George Indian Orthodox Church ('the charity') for the year ended 31 March 2021.

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 charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all 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 financial statements do not accord with those records; or

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report 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 3O Recycling Lives Centre 1A Essex Street Preston PR1 1QE

Date: 15 November 2021

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St. George Indian Orthodox Church

Receipts and payments accounts

Year ended 31 March 2021

Section A Receipts andpayments
Unrestricted funds Total funds 2021 2020
£ £ £
A1 Receipts
Subscription-Current Year 22,160 22,160 22,520
Subscription-Last Year 415 415 -
Offertory 1,285 1,285 9,736
Christmas Donation 135 135 2,365
Diocese Day Collection 280 280 235
Diocese Day Collection - Last Year 220 220 10
Catholicate Day Collection 300 300 85
Catholicate Day Collection - Last Year 270 270 10
Food & Refreshments-Donations 475 475 5,910
Food & Refreshments-Lastyear 750 750 150
Birthday 600 600 1,475
Wedding Day Offerings 185 185 370
Passion Week Donation 520 520 940
Family Conference 0 - 100
Marthamariyam Samajam 0 - 95
OVBS 0 - 1,440
Sunday School Receipt 110 110 1,795
Other Donations 300 300 734
Church Building Fund Donations 1,688 1,688 1,149
Contribution-New Church Accessories 0 - 450
Gift Aid 13,820 13,820 16,280
Harvest Festival 50 50 2,525
Harvest Festival - Lastyear 635 635 150
Interest Received 10 10 38
Seminary Day Collection 10 10 45
Baptism 0 - 50
Entertainment Donations 0 - 495
Charity Donations 1,586 1,586 2,200
Sneha Sparsham Charity - Entry Ticket Sale 0 - 2,620
Sneha Sparsham Charity - Raffle Ticket Sale 0 - 1,751
Sneha Sparsham Charity - Sponsorships 0 - 675
Sneha Sparsham Charity - Donations 549 549 1,693
Sneha Sparsham Charity - Food Sale 0 - 2,376
Christmas expenses-Unclaimed cheque lastyear 15 -
Sub total _(Gross income for AR) _ 46,369 46,369 80,467
A2 Asset and investment sales, (see
table).
- -
- - -
Sub total - - -
Total receipts 46,369 46,369 80,467

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Unrestricted funds Total funds 2021 2020
£ £ £
A3 Payments
Vicar's Salary 6,620 6,620 8,045
Payments to visiting clergies - - 1,050
Charity event expenses 2,008 2,008 3,530
Christmas Expenses - - 1,151
Diocese Contribution 900 900 900
Catholicate Day Donation Paid 650 650 650
Refreshments 110 110 9,708
Gifts & Presentation - - 260
Sacremental Expenses - - 390
Passion Week Expenses 62 62 1,178
Family Conference - - 590
Marthamariyam Samajam 100 100 1,125
OVBS - - 1,661
Sunday School Expenses 690 690 3,310
Youth League Expenses - - 159
Miscellaneous Expenses 468 468 80
Sacremental expenses 357 357 -
Rent - - 50
Water 276 276 244
Gas & Electricity 2,649 2,649 3,410
Insurance 843 843 823
Printing, Stationery & Postage 187 187 527
Telephone 354 354 925
Repairs & Maintenance 690 690 628
Groceries 61 61 208
Seminari Day Contributions 250 250 250
Travelling Expenses 98 98 320
Bank Charges - Card Payment Fee - - 171
Entertainment Expenses - - 499
Mission Sunday Contribution 250 250 250
Fixtures & Fittings 2,514 2,514 854
Light & Sound System Expenses - - 200
Waste Collection 267 267 680
Accounting Charges 300 300 -
Video Conferencing Subscription Zoom 258 258 -
Incidental Expenses 120 120 -
Construction Work-Landscape 8,594 8,594 4,811
Professional Fees - - 259
Sports Club - - 262
Bank Charges - HSBC 38 38 10
Alarm Monitoring & Service 492 492 611
Diocese Welfare Fund - - 1,800
Sneha Sparsham Charity 7,003 7,003 3,670
**Sub total ** 37,209 37,209 55,249
A4 Asset and investment purchases,
(see table)
- -
**Sub total ** - - -
Totalpayments 37,209 37,209 55,249
Net of receipts/(payments) 9,160 9,160 25,218
A5 Transfers between funds - - -
A6 Cash funds lastyear end 61,813 61,813 36,595
Cash funds thisyear end 70,973 70,973 61,813

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St. George Indian Orthodox Church

Receipts and payments accounts

Year ended 31 March 2021

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 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
to nearest £ to nearest £
B1 Cash funds Cash in hand 100 -
Cash at the Bank - Card Account 373 -
Cash at the Bank - Current 48,002
Cash at the Bank - Building Fund 22,498 -
Total cash funds 70,973 -
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds
Details to nearest £ to nearest £
B2 Other monetary
assets		 - -
- -
- -
Details Fund to which asset
belongs		 Cost (optional)
B3 Investment
assets		 -
-
-
Details Fund to which asset
belongs		 Cost (optional)
B4 Assets retained
for the charity’s
own use		 Church building - Purchase cost Unrestricted 90,224
Church building - Construction Unrestricted 246,553
Church building - Professional Unrestricted 11,883
Church building - Security & Unrestricted 6,473
Church building - Electricals Unrestricted 7,080
**Church building - Landscape ** Unrestricted 32,309
Church building - Decoration Unrestricted 13,755
Church building - Accessories Unrestricted 8,174
Church building - Appliances & Unrestricted 8,100
Church building - Sound system Unrestricted 9,044
External hard disc Unrestricted 86
Details Fund to which liability
relates		 Amount due (optional)
B5 Liabilities -
-
-
Signed by trustees on
behalf of all the trustees
Mr George Verghese
Trustee Date: 15 November 2021

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