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2025-03-31-accounts

ST. MARY’S JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH MANCHESTER

(Under the Holy Apostolic See of Antioch & All the East)

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025

UK Charity Registration No.1126394

ST. MARY’S JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH MANCHESTER

The annual report of the St. Marys’ Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church Manchester covers the period from April 1st 2024 to March 31st 2025.

THE ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING 2025

The Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) of St. Mary’s Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, Manchester, was held after the Holy Mass on Sunday, 1st June 2025 , at St. Mary’s Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, Moffat Close, Bolton BL2 6UA. The meeting was chaired by the Vicar, Rev. Fr. Lilu Varghese .

During the meeting, the Annual Report for 2024–2025 was presented by the Secretary, Mr. K. J. Kuriakose , and was approved unanimously. The Statement of Income and Expenditure , along with the Audit Report for the financial year 2024–2025, was presented by the Church Treasurer, Mr. Eldho Peringattel , and was also approved by the General Body.

During this financial year, the Church Managing Committee met 19 times to discuss and take various decisions required for the administration of the Church. In addition, three General Body meetings were convened during this period. We thank all committee members for their valuable support.

At the Annual General Body Meeting held on 26th May 2024 , Mr. Kuriakose Kochuparambil Joseph was selected as Secretary, and Mr. Kernal Eapen was chosen as Vice President for another one-year term. We sincerely thank Mr. Jacob Koshy and Mr. Reji Thomas for their dedicated service as Vice President and Secretary until that date.

We warmly welcomed our new Vicar, Rev. Fr. Lilu Pulikkunnel Varghese , and Assistant Vicar, Fr. Sanu Mathew , on 1st January 2025 , appointed by the Bull from our Patriarchal Vicar, His Grace Issac Mor Osthatheos Metropolitan . We express our heartfelt gratitude to Rev. Fr. Geevarghese Thandayath for leading the Church for nearly a decade as Vicar. Under his leadership, our Church made substantial progress, and the St. Mary’s JSOC family wishes him every success and prayers

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for his next assignment. A farewell meeting was organised in January 2025 to honour and thank our beloved Vicar.

During this period, 18 families were welcomed as new members to our Church, while three families relocated abroad and left Manchester.

We are pleased to announce that our long-cherished dream of publishing a Church Souvenir was finally realised in printed form this year. Once again, we thank all volunteers who worked tirelessly to bring this project to completion.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Presented below is a list of the selected Board of Trustees and their appointed positions.

Vicar & President : Rev Fr Lilu Pulikkunnel Varghese Vice President : Mr. Kernal Eapen Secretary : Mr. Kuriakose Kochuparambil Joseph Joint Secretary : Mr. Binu Thankachan Treasurer : Mr. Eldo Peringattel Kuriakose Joint Treasurer : Mr. Basil Sunny Councillor : Mr. Saju Pappachan

Women’s Association : Mrs. Sindhu Saju

Ex Official : Mr. Bijoy Alias Committee Members : Mr. Thomas Paul, Mr. Thomas Chacko, Mr. Jobin George Auditors : Mr. Binu Skariah, Mr Basil Varghese

Communication address : St Mary’s Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, Moffat Close,

Bolton BL2 6UA

Charity number : 1126394

Bankers

Manchester M14 5BE

Bolton BL26UA

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GENERAL ACTIVITIES OF THE CHURCH

REGULAR HOLY MASS

Regular Holy Mass and special services on feast days were celebrated every Sunday. Morning prayers begin at 9:30 a.m. , followed by the Holy Qurbana at 10:30 a.m. Approximately 200 people , including children, regularly attend these services. The services are open to all, irrespective of parish membership.

ANNUAL CHURCH FEATS AND PARISH DAY:

Our Annual Church Feast was celebrated on 11th and 12th May 2024 . We were blessed by the presence of His Grace Mor Aprim Mathews as the main celebrant, along with our Vicar, Rev. Fr. Geevarghese Thandayath , and Assistant Vicar, Rev. Fr. Lilu Pulikkunnel Varghese . We express our sincere thanks to all who participated in the Holy Qurbana and the celebrations.

The Parish Day was organised on 14th September 2024 at Salford St. James Hall . Church members enjoyed a wonderful day filled with games, cultural programmes, and traditional Kerala cuisine. It was a truly memorable event for our parish.

A family tour to the Lake District was organised from 5th to 7th April 2024 , with participation from many church members. It was a joyful and enriching experience for all involved

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM:

The Christmas Carol programme was coordinated by Mr. Jobin George , along with Mr. Thomas Paul and Mr. Binu Thankachan , and was conducted on 14th, 15th, 21st, and 22nd December 2024 . On the evening of 24th December , Holy Mass and special Christmas worship services were held at St. Mary’s JSOC, Bolton.

We thank all families who warmly welcomed the Carol teams into their homes and all those who participated in the celebrations.

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Our Church Carol Team also participated in the MSOC UK Carol Virunnu Competition , held at Stoke-on-Trent on 7th December 2024 , and delivered a remarkable performance.

ACTIVITIES OF SPIRITUAL ORGANISATIONS:

Sunday school:

Sunday School classes for Grades 1–10 were conducted regularly after Holy Mass, as in previous years. Mr. Kernal Eapen served as Headmaster until 31st December 2024 , after which Mr. Aji Ulahannan assumed the role of Headmaster, with Mrs. Seematti Basil as Assistant Headteacher. We sincerely thank Mr. Kernal Eapen for his dedicated service over many years.

Vacation Bible School (VBS) was organised on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd November 2024 and was a grand success. A children’s festival ( Balakalolsavam ) was also conducted, and the winners represented our parish at the North of England Regional Sunday School Festival , which we had the privilege of hosting at our church. Our Sunday School was crowned Champions of the North .

The regional winners participated in the National Sunday School Kalolsavam held in Leeds , where our Sunday School achieved Second Runner-Up position. We thank all parents and teachers for their tireless efforts in preparing the children.

Martha Mariam Vanitha Samajam (Woman’s Prayer Group):

The Women’s Prayer Group meets twice a month under the leadership of Mrs. Sindhu Saju . Their activities include prayer, devotional singing, Bible readings, Bible quizzes, chain prayers, presentations, and study classes. The group organised a Harvest Festival and raised £1,549 for charitable purposes.

Youth Association

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The St. Mary’s Youth Association was formed this year to actively involve the youth of our parish. Mr. Ajeesh Cherian serves as Secretary, Mr. Vineeth Varkey as Treasurer, and Mrs. Babitha Eldhose as Joint Secretary.

Student Movement

Our Church has an active Student Movement comprising high school and university students. Ms. Livia Lijo serves as Secretary, and Mr. Samual Saju as Treasurer. The group raised £489 for charity during the Annual Feast.

Choir Team and Susrushaka team

We express our sincere gratitude to our dedicated Choir Team, comprising both junior and adult members. Their committed service continues to enhance the spiritual, musical, and prayerful experience of the Holy Qurbana and other Church services.

IN LOVING MEMEORY OF BEATITUDE ABOON MOR BASELIOS THOMAS 1 CATHOLICOS

On 31st October 2024 , our Catholicos, His Beatitude Mor Baselius Thomas I , a true servant of God and a tireless defender of our Church in Malankara, was called to eternal rest. His life was a beacon of faith, courage, and dedication. Often referred as ‘Malankarayude Yakkob Burddane’, His Beatitude was not only a leader but a shepherd whose unwavering loyalty to the Holy Church and the Throne of Antioch inspired countless faithful.

St. Mary’s JSOC, with heavy hearts and deep gratitude, conducted memorial services during this period and bid a prayerful farewell.

HIS BEATITUDE ABOON MOR BASELIOS JOSEPH I

His Grace Mor Gregorios Joseph was consecrated as New Catholicos (HIS BEATITUDE ABOON MOR BASELIOS JOSEPH I) on 25th March 2025 by His Holiness Ignatius Aphrem II , at St. Mary’s Cathedral of Aatchane, Lebanon . This historic event marks a new chapter in the Church’s rich

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heritage, reaffirming its enduring traditions. St. Mary’s JSOC wishes His Beatitude a long, blessed reign and continues to uphold him in prayer.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

During the financial year 2024–2025 , the total income from various sources amounted to £153,884.60 , including balances carried forward from previous years. Total expenditure was £139,551.35 .

CONCLUSION

We take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks to His Grace Issac Mor Osthathios , Rev. Fr. Geevarghese Thandayath , Rev. Fr. Lilu Varghese , who acted as Vicars, Fr. Sanu Mathew as assistant Vicar, Fr. Eldhose Rajan , Fr. Shijo Kurian as our home priests, all visiting priests, members of the Board of Trustees, parish members, and well-wishers for their unwavering support.

We sincerely hope for your continued prayers and cooperation in the years to come.

On behalf of 2024-2025 Board of Trustees.

K J Kuriakose

Secretary

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Charity Name
ST MARY'S JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH MANCHESTER
Charity Name
ST MARY'S JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH MANCHESTER
Charity Name
ST MARY'S JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH MANCHESTER
Charity Name
ST MARY'S JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH MANCHESTER
Charity Name
ST MARY'S JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH MANCHESTER
Charity Name
ST MARY'S JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH MANCHESTER
Charity Name
ST MARY'S JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH MANCHESTER
Charity Name
ST MARY'S JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH MANCHESTER
Charity Name
ST MARY'S JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH MANCHESTER
Charity Name
ST MARY'S JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH MANCHESTER
ST MARY'S JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH MANCHESTER No (if any)
1126394
No (if any)
1126394
Receipts and payments accounts CC16a
For the period
from
For the period Period start date
01/04/2024
To Period end date
31/03/2025
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted
funds
to the nearest
£
A1 Receipts
to the nearest Restricted funds
to the nearest £
Endowment
funds
to the nearest £
Endowment Total funds
to the nearest £
Last year
to the nearest £
to the nearest £
SUBSCRIPTIONS 27,525 27,525 - - - - - - - - - 27,525 27,525 27,525 25,980 25,980 25,980
OFFERINGS 15,913 15,913 - - - - - - - - - 15,913 15,913 15,913 26,095 26,095 26,095
DONATIONS 20,745 20,745 - - - - - - - - - 20,745 20,745 20,745 66,685 66,685 66,685
BUILDING FUND 11,975 11,975 - - - - - - - - - 11,975 11,975 11,975 12,885 12,885 12,885
GIFT AID 52,199 52,199 - - - - - - - - - 52,199 52,199 52,199 13,790 13,790 13,790
DONATIONS OTHER - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 550 550 550 550
PARISHDAY 2,620 2,620 - - - - - - - - - 2,620 2,620 2,620 2,430 2,430 2,430 2,430
PASSION WEEK 150 150 - - - - - - - - - 150 150 150 3,075 3,075 3,075 3,075
PERUNNAL SHARE 4,311 4,311 - - - - - - - - - 4,311 4,311 4,311 920 920 920 920
SPECIAL QURBANO 2,610 2,610 - - - - - - - - - 2,610 2,610 2,610 2,320 2,320 2,320 2,320
CHRISTMAS DONATIONS 4,649 4,649 - - - - - - - - - 4,649 4,649 4,649 4,250 4,250 4,250 4,250
BAPTISM 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25
PAYPAL/EASY FUND 19 19 - - - - - - - - - 19 19 19 146 146 146 146
VANITHA SAMAJAM 1,549 1,549 - - - - - - - - - 1,549 1,549 1,549 - - - -
SOUVENIR - - - - - - - - - - - - 16,500 16,500 16,500
HOUSE WARMING 50 50 50 50 50 175 175 175 175
SUNDAY SCHOOL 1,075 1,075 1,075 1,075 1,075 1,015 1,015 1,015 1,015
STUDENT MOVEMENT 489 489 489 489 489 - - - -
DIOCESE BUI.FUND 2,600 2,600 2,600 2,600 2,600 - - - -
ADVANCE RTN. 2,070 2,070 2,070 2,070 2,070 - - - -
LOAN RECEIVED 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 133,550 133,550 133,550
FAMILY CONFERENCE 1,310 1,310 1,310 1,310 1,310 1,290 1,290 1,290 1,290
Sub total(Gross income for AR) 153,884 153,884 - - - - - - - - - 153,884 153,884 153,884 311,680 311,680 311,680
A2 Asset and investment sales, (see
table).
A2 Asset and investment sales, (see
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Sub total - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Total receipts 153,884 153,884 - - - - - - - 153,884 153,884 311,680 311,680
A3 Payments
FOOD EXPENCE
30,607 30,607 - - - - - - - - - 30,607 30,607 30,607 27,774 27,774 27,774
ALLOWANCE TO PRIEST 13,901 13,901 - - - - - - - - - 13,901 13,901 13,901 16,051 16,051 16,051
RENT 644 644 - - - - - - - - - 644 644 644 1,525 1,525 1,525 1,525
KITCHEN WORK 613 613 613 613 613
WEB RENUEL 20 20 20 20 20
DONATION PAID 751 751 751 751 751
INSURANCE 978 978 978 978 978
CHRISTMAS EXPENSE 2,558 2,558 - - - - - - - - - 2,558 2,558 2,558 971 971 971 971
MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSE 3,593 3,593 - - - - - - - - - 3,593 3,593 3,593 354 354 354 354
CHARITY DONATION 450 450 - - - - - - - - - 450 450 450 - - - -
MSOC COUNCIL 4,785 4,785 - - - - - - - - - 4,785 4,785 4,785 3,626 3,626 3,626 3,626
TRAVELLING EXPENSE 356 356 - - - - - - - - - 356 356 356 50 50 50 50
PRINTING AND STATIONARY 603 603 - - - - - - - - - 603 603 603 35 35 35 35
NEW CHURCH WORKS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 135,827 135,827 135,827
ELECTRICITY 5,425 5,425 - - - - - - - - - 5,425 5,425 5,425 7,709 7,709 7,709 7,709
BANK CHARGES 94 94 - - - - - - - - - 94 94 94 97 97 97 97
SOUVENIR 3,700 3,700 - - - - - - - - - 3,700 3,700 3,700 1,673 1,673 1,673 1,673
PASSION WEEK EXPENSES 120 120 - - - - - - - - - 120 120 120 140 140 140 140
LOAN REPAID 50,000 50,000 - - - - - - - - - 50,000 50,000 50,000 21,300 21,300 21,300
PROFESSIONAL FEES 700 700 - - - - - - - - - 700 700 700 - - - -
SUNDAY SCHOOL EXPENSES 3,080 3,080 - - - - - - - - - 3,080 3,080 3,080 2,362 2,362 2,362 2,362
CHURCH ITEMS 3,701 3,701 - - - - - - - - - 3,701 3,701 3,701 24,007 24,007 24,007
RETREAT EXPENSES - - - 6,387 6,387 6,387 6,387
CHURCH CLEANING
3,293
3,293
1,520
CHURCH CONSECRATION
-
72,725
CHURCH MAINTENANCE
9,579
9,579
19,009
Sub total
139,551
-
-
139,551
343,143
A4 Asset and investment purchases,
(see table)
-
-
-
-
Sub total -
-
-
- -
Total payments
139,551
-
-
139,551
343,143
~~——~~—=—
Net of receipts/(payments) 14,333 14,333 14,333 -
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- - - - - - 14,333 - 14,333 - 14,333 - 14,333 - 14,333 - 14,333 - 14,333 - 14,333 - 31,463 - 31,463 - 31,463 - 31,463

----- Start of picture text -----
|||||| |---|---|---|---|---| |A5 Transfers between funds|-|-|-| |A6 Cash funds last year end|10,315|- -|10,315|41,778| |Cash funds this year end|24,648|-|- 24,648|10,315|

----- End of picture text -----

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

----- Start of picture text -----
|||||| |---|---|---|---|---| |Unrestricted|Restricted funds|Endowment funds| |Categories|Details|funds| |to nearest £|to nearest £|to nearest £| |B1 Cash funds|HSBC CURRENT AC|22,043|-|[ - ]| |HSBC SAVINGS AC| |-|-|[ - ]| |CASH BALANCE| |2,605|-|[ - ]| |Total cash funds|24,648|-|-| |———| |(agree balances with receipts and payments| |account(s))|OK|OK|OK| |Unrestricted|Restricted funds|Endowment funds| |funds| |Details|to nearest £|to nearest £|to nearest £| |B2 Other monetary assets|-|-|-| |-|-|-| |-|-|-| |-|-|-| |-|-|-| |-|-|-| |===>| |Fund to which| |Details|asset belongs|Cost (optional)|Current value (optional)| |B3 Investment assets|-|-| |-|-| |-|-| |-|-| |-|-| |===>| |Fund to which| |Details|asset belongs|Cost (optional)|Current value (optional)| |B4 Assets retained for the|-|-| |charity’s own use|-|-| |-|-| |-|-| |-|-| |-|-| |-|-| |-|-| |_iee| |Fund to which|Amount due (optional)|When due (optional)| |Details|liability relates| |B5 Liabilities| |-| |-| |-| |EE| |all the trustees Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of|Signature|Print Name|Date of approval| |Ashen Paul|

----- End of picture text -----

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Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A Independent Examinerís Report

Report to the trustees/
members of
Charity Name
ST MARY'S JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH MANCHESTER
Charity Name
ST MARY'S JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH MANCHESTER
Charity Name
ST MARY'S JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH MANCHESTER
ST MARY'S JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH MANCHESTER ST MARY'S JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH MANCHESTER ST MARY'S JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH MANCHESTER ST MARY'S JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH MANCHESTER ST MARY'S JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH MANCHESTER ST MARY'S JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH MANCHESTER ST MARY'S JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH MANCHESTER
On accounts for the year On accounts for the year 31 March 2025 31 March 2025 Charity no 1126394
ended (if any)
Set out on pages
(remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets) (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (ìthe Trustî) for the year ended 31 March 2025

Responsibilities and As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the basis of report accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (ìthe Actî).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trustís 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 I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

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.

Signed: Date: 26 January 2026
~~fF~~
26 January 2026
~~fF~~
Name: Seejo Tony
Relevant professional Relevant professional AFA
qualification(s) or body qualification(s) or body
(if any):
Address: 58 Highbury Grove
Portsmouth PO6 2RS

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Oct 2018

IER

Section B Disclosure

Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).

Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .

2

Oct 2018

IER