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2024-03-31-accounts

CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1111562

St. George Indian Orthodox Church Receipts and payments accounts For the year ended 31 March 2024

XAVIERS ACCOUNTANTS LIMITED

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

St. George Indian Orthodox Church

Financial Statements

Year ended 31 March 2024

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 2024

Vicar's Message

Dearly Beloved in Christ,

I take this time as a good opportunity to thank all those people who have played their own important parts in Our Church Life during the past one year as I feel it is important for everyone to realise how much they are appreciated in whatever they do, separate to these remarks which are more of a reflection of where we have been and for us all to think about our future. Our Church members are actively involved in serving God by their kindness, prayer and love also by spending their time, talent, energy, experience and money, in such a way that should give us great confidence and encouragement for the future.

I also take this occasion to particularly thank Trustee, Secretary, Managing Committee Members and all the Spiritual Organization Leaders for your continued support and prayer.

Romans 15: 5-7: - ‘’May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.’’

May God bless you all.

Rev.Fr Eldo Parakkottil Varghese

1

St. George Indian Orthodox Church

Trustees’ Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2024

Reference and administrative details

Registered charity name St. George Indian Orthodox Church Charity registration number 1111562 Principal office Belgrave street Bolton BL1 3RF The trustees Mr George Verghese Mr Benoyi Mathew (Appointed 22/10/23) Mr Thomas Koshy (Appointed 22/10/23) Mr Byju John (Appointed 22/10/23) Mr Shaji Varghese (Resigned 22/10/23) Mr Roy Samuel (Resigned 22/10/23) Mr Biben John (Resigned 22/10/23) Independent examiner Mijos Xavier ACA FCCA Xaviers Accountants Limited Suite 3J Recycling Lives Centre 1A Essex Street Preston PR1 1QE

2

St. George Indian Orthodox Church

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2024

The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Structure, governance and management

The trustees present their annual report and the receipts and payments account of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. 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 constitution 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

Under the leadership and guidance of Rev. Fr. Eldo P Varghese., we were able to complete a full year with Qurbana being celebrated on all Sundays and all the Moronoyo Feasts.

Holy Qurbana

Holy Qurbana’s are held on all Sundays with every 4th Sunday of the month was celebrated in English to nurture our younger Generation. All the Moronoyo feasts were also celebrated during the liturgical calendar. Prayers for birthdays, wedding anniversaries, sick and the departed were offered during the Qurbana’s.

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. Rubin Saji, Mr. Kurian George, Mr. Joshi K Eapen, Mr. Reji Tharian Keecheril, Mr. Vinu George, Mr. Jinoj Philip, Mr. Benoyi Mathew, Mr. Sherwin Samuel, Mr. Elbin Raju, Mast. Ken Renji, Mr. Toby Shaji, Mr. Nevin Tharakan, Mr. Jeffin John, Mast. Jorgy Solomon, Mast. Ashlin Roy, Mr. Sleeba P Thomas, Mast. Cris Sleeba, Mr. Sajin K Rajan, Mr. Jinsu Koshy Chakkaramannil Paul, Mr Predeesh K Varghese, Mast. Axel Benoyi & Mast David Sam Daniel.

Special mention to Mr. Shaji Varghese & Mr. Reji Tharian Keecheril for co-ordinating the Acolytes Rota system for all the Holy Services. I would also like to express gratitude to those Acolytes who visit our Church during regular Qurbanas, feasts and special occasions.

General Body

As life returned to normalcy after the outbreak of the pandemic, the church also returned to Normal activities and the election was conducted to elect the new committee and office bearers for the forthcoming financial year of 2023-24, along with the GB. The GB and election were presided over by Rev. Fr. Eldo Varghese.

3

St. George Indian Orthodox Church

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2024

The following were elected as the new Managing Committee –

Position Name Trustee Mr. Benoyi Mathew Secretary Mr. Litto Titus Ex – Officio Mr. Abraham Joseph Ex – Officio Mr. Suresh Daniel Comm. Mem Mr. Byju John Comm. Mem Mr. Shibu Varghese Comm. Mem Mr. Biben John Comm. Mem Mr. Thomas Koshy Comm. Mem Mr. Ginu Oommen Comm. Mem Mr. Sinu Thomas Comm. Mem Mrs. Anie Saji Comm. Mem Mrs. Liby Roy Internal Auditor Mr. Vinu George and Mr Raju Samuel Diocesan Representative: Mr Toji Tharakan (Till 30/04/2023) and Mr. Roy Samuel & Mr. Manoj Daniel (From 01/05/2023)

Malankara Association Representative: Mr. Benoyi Mathew. First Aid Officers: Mrs. Beena Sinu Health & Safety Officer: Mr. Shibu Varghese.

In Total there were 3 General Body Meetings held along with an Interim Meeting to elect the Parish Diocesan Representative.

The following were the dates GBM’s held.

years.

Managing Committee 2024 - 2025

Position Name Trustee Mr. Biben John Secretary Mr. Roy Samuel Ex – Officio Mr. Benoyi Mathew Ex – Officio Mr. Litto Titus Comm. Mem Mr. Daniel Varghese Comm. Mem Mr. Raju Samuel Comm. Mem Mr. Anish Thomas Comm. Mem Mr. Thomas Oommen Comm. Mem Mr. Ginu Oommen Comm. Mem Mr. Sajo Joseph Comm. Mem Mrs. Susan Sajin Comm. Mem Mrs. Shyni Mathew Internal Auditor Mr. Thomas Koshy & Mr. Thomas Varghese Sunday School Head Teacher Mr. Suresh Daniel

4

St. George Indian Orthodox Church

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2024

MOMS Secretary Mrs. Shyni Mathew MOMS Trustee Mrs. Sheena Sajin Youth: Secretary Mr. Axel Benoyi Acolytes: Mr. Reji Keecheril Diocesan Representative: Mr. Roy Samuel & Mr Manoj Daniel Malankara Association Representative: Mr. Benoyi Mathew Health & Safety Officer: Mr. Sinu Thomas First Aid Officer: Mrs. Sheena Sajin

Important G.B. Decisions Taken in The Financial Year 2023-2024

  1. The GB decided to pay £250.00 to Priests invited within 100 miles of church & extra £50.00 towards travel allowance if above 100 miles.

  2. GB decided to pay only once for non-invited priests £150.00.

  3. GB amended fuel expenses to 0.45/mile.

  4. The GB approved a Budget of £30,000 with a variation of 10% + or – towards the works for the Roof & Tiling of Kurishadi.

  5. GB decided to raise charity application amount to £500.00.

  6. GB decided to pay £30.00 for a family from church account towards Diocese Contribution for members paying full subscription from this financial year.

  7. GB decided to provide envelopes for offertory collection from members from 1st week of December.

  8. GB elected Mr George Verghese, Mr Byju John, Mr Benoyi Mathew & Mr Thomas Koshy as charity Trustees.

  9. GB decided to include Diocese Metropolitan name as one of the custodians of church. 10.GB decided to conduct prayer meetings at church on every 3rd Saturday from April to October at 5:30 pm

Objectives and activities

Activities of the Charity - Special church events

The Great Lent

This financial year was blessed two Passion Weeks. 2023 – 31st March to 8th April 2024 – 22nd March to 30th March

Passion Week

The Passion Week services commenced. We had the 40th Friday service, Hosanna, Pesaha Vyazhan (Maundy Thursday), The Good Friday, The Good Saturday and Easter services were led by our Vicar Fr. Eldo Varghese. The Lent Retreat was held on 9th March 2024. The retreat was led by Fr Zacharia Cherian (Ricku Achan) followed by Holy Confession and Evening Prayer.

St. George’s Feast (Geevarghese Sahada Perunnal)

The Feast of the Patron saint was celebrated on the 6th & 7th May with Flag Hoisting, Devotional Speech and Evening Prayers on the 6th and the Holy Qurbana and Perunal Sushroosha on the 7th of May followed by Nercha appam brought in by all the families of the Church. Fr Shyju P Mathai was the Chief Celebrant for the occasion.

Pentecostal Feast & Pratheeshta Perunal

The Pentecostal Feast & Pratheeshta Perunal was conducted on the 28th of May 2023 Led by our Vicar Rev. Fr. Eldo Varghese.

St. George Indian Orthodox Church

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2024

Badminton Competition

Our parish conducted a badminton tournament on 27th May 2023 at Calrendon Leisure Centre. Thanks to coordinator Mr Shibu Varghese for the smooth running of the event.

1st Prize – Mr Anil Mathew & Mr Robert Mathew 2nd Prize – Mr Vibin Varghese & Mr Albin Varghese 3rd Prize – Mr John Valayaveetil & Mr Shijo John

Church Choir

Our church choir participated and were 2nd runners up (3rd place) in Season 2 of Mesthooso – Annual Inter Church choir competition hosted and conducted by St George IOC Leicester.

MMVS – North Zone Conference

Our church hosted MMVS North conference for the year 2023, this event was well appreciated by the delegates for the hosting and hospitality.

Picnic & Sports Day

Parish Picnic & Sports day was held on 01/07/2023 at Clifton Country Park, Salford, and this year we had the most participation by our members for Picnic & Sports day. Thanks for coordinator Mr Shibu Varghese & Mr Sinu Thomas for making this event a big success.

OVBS

The theme for this year’s OVBS was “Abide in God” (St. John chapter 15 verse 4). We conducted OVBS across 4 days starting from the 26th of Oct to 29th Oct. First 3 days were held at our church and the final day presentation along with Holy Qurbana. We had 100 children registered for this year’s OVBS. We had 15 teachers and 30 volunteers. We were blessed with the presence of our vicar Rev. Fr. Eldo Varghese and Fr Jeeson P Wilson during the OVBS sessions. Mr Suresh Daniel and Mr. Jinu George served as the coordinator for the OVBS. The classes were held over 4 days which the children participated with great enthusiasm and devotion. Concluding session of the OVBS began with the Holy Qurbana celebrated by Rev. Fr Eldo Varghese and Fr Jeeson P Wilson. After the Holy Qurbana, children presented various activities based on the theme.

St. Gregorious Feast (Parumala Thirumeni’s Feast)

This year the Feast of Parumala Thirumeni was celebrated on the 5th of November 2023. The Holy Qurbana was celebrated by H.G. Zachariah Mar Nicholovos, Metropolitan of Northeast America followed by Special intercessory prayers for the Saint was conducted. The feast concluded with Nerchavilambu. All the members contributed towards the Nercha and the feast was held with utmost devotion.

Harvest Festival

Harvest Festival was held in our church on 19th November 2023. By the grace of God, we managed to collect £7,110.00. All the members earnestly contributed for the good cause and participated in the Harvest festival with big and small contributions. The Harvest festival was conducted with the same spirit and piety.

Christmas Carol Visits.

This year our community was able to return to our live Carol visits to almost all the members houses. The carol started from 25th November, The Visits were conducted over a 5-week period of 8 days covering the various areas in and around Manchester from where our members hail from. The Carols completed on the 23rd of December. The whole visits were organised and implemented flawlessly by Mr. Byju John & Mr Thomas Koshy. One day of our Carol visit was covered in BBC Radio.

St. George Indian Orthodox Church

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2024

Christmas and New Year Services

The Christmas Service was commemorated on the 24th of December and the New Year service was led by our Vicar Rev. Fr. Eldo Varghese. We were also able to conduct the Annual Christmas and New Year get together on the 6th of January 2024 Thornleigh Salesian School Auditorium. There were variety of performances by the different spiritual wings and individuals. There were varieties of programmes followed by dinner. The programme was co-ordinated by Mr. Shibu Varghese, Mr Ginu Oommen, Mr Sajin Rajan, Mrs Ani Saji & Mrs. Lincy John.

Food Festival

Our Christian values teach us to help others in a time of need. Keeping this core value at heart, the MOMS wing conducted a Food Festival on the 4th of Feb 2024, where variety of food were sold, and funds raised for a charitable cause. We raised £3,609.99 from food sales, which was divided into 2 and donated to the applicants for charity from India.

Other Church Events

Metropolitan's Visit

This financial year our parish was blessed with the visit of H.G Zachariah Mar Nicholovos, Metropolitan of North East America. Thirumeni was the chief celebrant on Parumala Perunnal.

Visiting Clergy - First time

  1. Rev Fr. Thomas Oommen

  2. Rev Fr. Shyju P Mathai 3. Rev Fr. Shaiju K Mathai 4. Rev Fr. Binu Thomas 5. Rev Fr. Sanjeev Mary Offer 6. Rev Fr. Ricku S Cherian

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: 04 January 2025

7

St. George Indian Orthodox Church

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

Year ended 31 March 2024

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 2024.

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

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

Date: 04 January 2025

~~ee~~ Unrestricted
funds
~~ee~~
~~ee~~ Restricted
funds
~~ee~~
~~ee~~ Endowment
funds
~~ee~~
~~ee~~ Total funds
~~ee~~
~~ee~~ Last year
~~ee~~
to the nearest
£
to the nearest to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £
A1 Receipts
Subscription-Current Year
~~es~~
36,535
~~es~~
- - 36,535 31,695
Subscription-Last Year
~~es~~
~~ee~~
730
~~es~~
~~ee~~
- - 730 1,665
Offertory
~~ee~~
31,597
~~ee~~
- - 31,597 22,522
Christmas Donation
~~ee~~
~~op~~
3,135
~~ee~~
~~op~~
- - 3,135 3,316
Diocese Day Collection
~~op~~
290
~~op~~
- - 290 425
Diocese Day Collection - Last Year
~~ee~~
100
~~ee~~
- - 100 310
Catholicate Day Collection
~~a~~
-
~~a~~
- - - 455
Catholicate Day Collection - Last Year
~~ee~~
100
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
- - 100 380
Food & Refreshments-Donations
~~ee~~
15,538
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
- - 15,538 14,920
Food & Refreshments-Lastyear
~~es~~
1,885
~~ee~~
~~es~~
- - 1,885 300
Birthday
~~es~~
~~———~~
2,585
~~es~~
~~———~~
- - 2,585 1,950
Wedding Day Offerings
~~———~~
815
~~———~~
- - 815 730
Passion Week Donation
~~———~~
~~os~~
680
~~———~~
~~os~~
- - 680 470
Marthamariyam Samajam
~~os~~
6,171
~~os~~
- - 6,171 3,802
OVBS
~~os~~
~~—————~~
2,210
~~os~~
~~—————~~
- - 2,210 2,040
Sunday School Receipt
~~—————~~
3,370
~~—————~~
- - 3,370 930
Other Donations
~~—————~~
~~os~~
952
~~—————~~
~~os~~
- - 952 976
Church Building Fund Donations
~~os~~
1,670
~~os~~
- - 1,670 1,680
Contribution For Church Accessories
~~os~~
~~————~~
-
~~os~~
~~————~~
- - - 400
Gift Aid
~~————~~
20,783
~~————~~
- - 20,783 16,074
Harvest Festival
~~————~~
~~————~~
5,781
~~————~~
~~————~~
- - 5,781 7,052
Harvest Festival - Lastyear
~~————~~
660
~~————~~
- - 660 295
Interest Received
~~————~~
~~op~~
530
~~————~~
~~op~~
- - 530 97
Baptism
~~op~~
-
~~op~~
- - - 110
Harvest Festival - Non-Gift-aidable
Donation
~~ee~~
589
~~ee~~
- - 589 -
Charity Donations
~~es~~
1,895
~~es~~
- - 1,895 1,330
Wedding Registrations
~~es~~
~~op~~
-
~~es~~
~~op~~
- - - -
Burial Plot Receipts
~~op~~
2,428
~~op~~
- - 2,428 3,932
Emergency Family support Fund-
Repayments
~~en~~
-
~~en~~
- - - 1,500
Miscellaneous Receipts
~~es~~
150
~~es~~
- - 150 -
Raffle Ticket Receipts
~~es~~
~~——~~
-
~~es~~
~~——~~
- - - 3,313
Community Day Donations
~~——~~
1,550
~~——~~
- - 1,550 -
Sports Club Donations
~~a~~
625
~~a~~
- - 625 -
Youth League Donations
~~ee~~
1,390
~~ee~~
- - 1,390 -
Diocese Orthodox Sangamam Coupon
& Registration
~~ee~~
Diocese Orthodox Sangamam Coupon
1,220
~~ee~~
- - 1,220 -
Sub total(Gross income for
AR)
145,964
-
-
145,964
122,668
~~as~~
A2 Asset and investment
sales, (see table).
- - - -
- - - - -
Sub total -
-
-
- -
~~es~~ ~~ ~~

==> picture [489 x 702] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Total funds Last year
funds funds funds
to the nearest
to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £
£
A3 Payments
Vicar's Salary 16,747 - - 16,747 17,250
Payments to visiting clergies 2,090 - - 2,090 2,775
Charity event expenses 9,512 - - 9,512 3,200
Christmas Expenses 4,012 - - 4,012 730
Diocese Contribution 3,200 - - 3,200 650
Catholicate Day Donation Paid 1,000 - - 1,000 650
Refreshments 24,362 - - 24,362 24,109
Gifts & Presentation 50 - - 50 -
Sacremental Expenses 217 - - 217 3,200
Passion Week Expenses 4,141 - - 4,141 470
Marthamariyam Samajam 4,295 - - 4,295 1,085
OVBS 4,078 - - 4,078 3,329
Sunday School Expenses 7,317 - - 7,317 2,631
Miscellaneous Expenses 461 - - 461 732
Water 448 - - 448 340
Gas & Electricity 2,921 - - 2,921 3,580
Insurance 1,052 - - 1,052 953
Printing, Stationery & Postage 1,405 - - 1,405 553
Telephone 1,016 - - 1,016 842
Repairs & Maintenance 2,238 - - 2,238 2,668
Groceries 3,555 - - 3,555 2,495
Seminari Day Contributions - - - - 250
Travelling Expenses 429 - - 429 521
Bank Charges - Card Payment Fee 456 - - 456 451
Mission Sunday Contribution - - - - 250
Fixtures & Fittings 1,794 - - 1,794 2,976
Light & Sound System Expenses - - - - 818
Waste Collection 1,021 - - 1,021 828
Accounting Charges 300 - - 300 300
Harvest Festival - Expenses 102 - - 102 577
Video Conferencing Subscription
Zoom - - - - 20
Incidental Expenses - - - - 217
Accommodation 314 - - 314 105
Benevolent Fund - - - - 5,000
Bank Charges - HSBC 290 - - 290 257
Alarm Monitoring & Service 525 - - 525 1,237
Rent - 450
Diocese Welfare Fund - 250
Community Day Expenses 1,791 1,791 -
Sports Club Expenses 573 573 -
Youth League Expenses 656 656 -
Media and Design Expenses 280 280 -
Cleaning Expenses 980 980 -
Diocese Orthodox Sangamam
Expenses 2,950 2,950 -
PAYE Expenses (Employer) 2,234 2,234 -
Sub total [ 108,812 ] - - 108,812 86,748
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
- - - -
- - - -
Sub total [ - ] - - - -
Total payments 108,812 - - 108,812 86,748
Net of receipts/(payments) 37,152 - - 37,152 35,921
A5 Transfers between funds - - - - -
A6 Cash funds last year end 97,670 - - 97,670 61,749
Cash funds this year end 134,822 - - 134,822 97,670
----- End of picture text -----

10

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period

Categories Details Details Details Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Endowment
funds
to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £
B1 Cash funds Cash in hand 4,373 - -
Cash at the Bank - Card Account 2,019 - -
Cash at the Bank - Current Account 67,125
Cash at the Bank - Building Fund &
Family Support
61,304 - -
Total cash funds 134,822 -
OK
-
(agree balances w ith receipts and payments
account(s))
OK OK
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 - Purchase cost Unrestricted 90,224 -
Church building - Construction Unrestricted 246,553 -
Church building - Professional fees Unrestricted 12,233
Church building - Security & CCTV Unrestricted 8,234
Church building - Electricals Unrestricted 7,119
Church building - Landscape Unrestricted 57,312
Church building - Decoration Unrestricted 14,065
Church building - Accessories Unrestricted 8,291 -
Church building - Appliances &
Furniture
Unrestricted 10,972 -
Church building - Sound system Unrestricted 9,232 -
External hard disc. Camera, laptop Unrestricted 3,803 -
Details Fund to which
liability relates
Amount due
(optional)
When due
(optional)
B5 Liabilities -
-
-
Signed by trustees on behalf of all
the trustees
Signature Print Name Date of
approval
Mr George Verghese 04-Jan-25