## St Thomas Indian (Malankara ) Orthodox Church, Poole, UK ## (Charity No 1142499) ## **Annual Report 2024-25** The annual report for the financial year 2024-25 provides an overview about the services, spiritual activities, other initiatives, and projects undertaken by the parish in align with our core objective. ## **Liturgical Services and events:** - The Holy Qurbana/Eucharist was celebrated on the first and third Saturdays of each month and adult members, children, and youth actively participated. After Holy Qurbana, refreshments, generously contributed by our members in order to promote Sunday school activities after the Holy Eucharist. - Special services were held during feast days, including Saint Thomas and St. Gregorious, St Dynonois and St George as well as the Feast of St Mary and Mid-lent. - Christmas was marked with a special service on December 24th, led by Rev Fr. Joe Mathew /Vicar and Christmas Carol services were held in members’ homes. The Christmas and New Year event-a family get together was well participated by adults and young people by performing nativity-themed cultural items. ## **Holy Week:** - Rev Fr. Joe Mathew lead holy week services, canonical hourly prayers during Holy Week. There were devotional talks delivered which enriched the spiritual journey of our congregation during holy week. This year, we had the special presence of Very Rev Yuhanon Ramban of St Pauls mission centre, Mavelikara who lead family retreat during the holy week. Many members find the Holy Week as an opportunity for personal reflection and Holy Confession. ## **Parish Day and Feast of St. Thomas (Patron Saint)** - Parish day and feast of St Thomas, our Patron Saint was celebrated on the first weekend of July. Parish day was celebrated with pride as most of the member families including youth children attended the ceremonial event where our ecumenical colleagues participated the public meeting and spiritual organisations delivered summary of their annual project/activity report. The day, concluded with a productive annual auction and communal meal. ## **Spiritual Organizations:** Our spiritual organizations continue to be pillars of our parish community for fostering spiritual growth and connections. ## **The Sunday school** - Our Sunday school remains a cornerstone of our spiritual community, nurturing students in the formation of spiritual faith and traditional Christian values. Sunday school students actively engaged in regular Holy Eucharistic services, Holy Week observances, and other special parish events. We had approximately 40 students across various classes, supported by 13 dedicated teachers. Classes primarily took place after Holy Eucharist services. The Sunday school organized talent search competitions during the year, encouraging students’ skills and creativity. There was a diocesan level talent competition winner for the year 2024 from our Sunday school. P1| Parish _Annual Report 2024-25_ ## **Academic Achievements:** - All Sunday school students successfully passed the reporting year. Notably, 7 students passed from year 10, and 5 students graduated from Year XII/Veda Praveen Diploma course with excellent grades from the previous academic year. ## **OVBS** - Our OVBS provided a relaxed environment for students to deepen their understanding of the Word of God and build a healthier community among young members. The camp was wellcoordinated, featuring colourful presentations and a concluding rally. ## **OCYM (Orthodox Christian Youth Movement) :** - Our youth members actively connected with fellow parishioners and newcomers via social media, primarily Instagram. Youth members volunteered for major events such as Parish Day, cultural gatherings, and Christmas and New Year celebrations. Additionally, youth members contributed to teaching Sunday school students in junior classes and supported the organization of the OVBS camp. Youth members sent delegations to event organized by the OCYM-Diocese ## **MMVS (Martha Mariam Vanitha Samajam - Women Fellowship)** : MMVS continued its work with the operational motto of Prayer, Action, and Shine. The women’s fellowship supported all parish activities and day-to-day operations. MMVS played a crucial role in offering refreshments to young people and adult members after each service. Representatives from MMVS actively participated in regional and Diocesan conferences and engaged in liturgical services and other parish activities. MMVS has contributed towards charitable project and organised cultural festival during the Onam festive season. The event aimed to cultivate traditional values and offered a platform for performing cultural programmes, folk arts and dances in addition to a delicious Onam Sadhya (traditional meal). ## **Prayer Fellowship** : - The Prayer Fellowship started in 2003 as the first spiritual wing that enabled the formation of congregation in Poole. Regular prayer meetings, evening prayers, and devotional messages continue to inspire and foster spiritual discussions and Bible study among adults and young people. Vicar, members including youth members and occasional guest speakers lead devotional sessions. ## **AMOSS -Akhila Malankara Orthodox Shushrooshaka Sangam (Acolytes Fellowship)** : - Acolytes provided significant support to the clergy throughout the year for conducting all services. Their voluntary efforts in arranging the holy altar, especially during the period of renting church halls for services, were commendable. Young acolytes who were initiated recently into the service of the Holy Altar demonstrates significant improvement and dedication to the service arrangement. ## **Charitable Projects** : - The parish actively participated in charitable projects, collaborating with Diocesan organizations like MMVS. These projects focused on providing medical aid to critically ill patients. During the reporting year, Parish has extended humble support to a children’s charitable society in Poole, heart foundation and a nationwide children’s charity organisation and other local charity. P2| Parish _Annual Report 2024-25_ ## **Church Property and Building Search** : - The search for suitable church buildings remained as a high-priority agenda. Our beloved parishioners actively supported this endeavour. There were promising prospects with a couple of church buildings available for sale in the open market. ## **Governance and Financial Review** : - The internal and external auditors reviewed the parish accounts. Based on feedback from previous years, accounting methodology has improved over the period and the parish has adopted best accounting practices into the practice. There were a surplus fund of £ 23519.52 during the accounting year due to the generous support of our members. - The Parish organised and scheduled general assembly meetings at specified time annually and termly to select office bearers for the new term, to approve accounts and to discuss future course of activities and projects. The managing committee and Charity Trustees also met regularly during the year in order to steer the management of daily activities of the Parish. **To conclude** , we offer our prayer of gratitude to the Triune God and seek intercession of all Saints , especially our Patron Saint for a blessed and fruitful years ahead. Parish express its very sincere gratitude to our beloved Diocesan Metropolitan HG Abraham Mar Stephanos, Diocesan Official, Rev Fr Joe Mathew (Vicar), Trustee, Secretary, Managing Committee members, Charity trustees, spiritual organisations and all beloved parishioners, well-wishers, local parishes, our ecumenical partners and local authorities for extending their whole hearted support for the functioning of our Parish. For the Vicar, Trustees and Managing Committee, ## _Charity Trustees_ P3| Parish _Annual Report 2024-25_ ST THOMAS INDIAN MALANKARA ORTHODOX CHURCH POOLE Chari No.1142499 The Branksom St. Aldhelms CentrePOOLE 401 Poole Road Branksome POOLE BH12 1AD FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 ST THOMAS INDIAN MALANKARA ORTHODOX CHURCH POOLE CONTENTS ACCOUNTANTS, REPORT STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES BALANCE SHEET PAGE I ST THOMAS INDIAN MALANKARA ORTHODOX CHURCH POOLE ACCOUNTANTS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES ON THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 In accordance with the engagement letter, and to assist you to fulfil your duties under the Companies Act 2006, we have compiled the Financial Statements of the charity which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, and the related notes from the accounting records and information and explanations you have given to us. This report is made to the Charity's Board of Trustees, as a body, in accordance with the terms of our engagement. Our work has been undertaken so that we might compile the Financial Statements that we have been engagement to compile, report to the Charity's Board of Trustees that we have done so, and state those matters that we have agreed to state to them in this report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Board of Trustees, as a body, for our work or for this report. You have acknowledged on the Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025 your duty to ensure that the charity has kept proper accounting records and to prepare Financial Statements that give a true and fair view under the Charities Act 2011. You consider that the charity is exempt from the statutory requirement for an audit for the period. We have not been instructed to carry out an audit of the Financial Statements. For this reason, we have not verified the accuracy or completeness of the accounting records or information and explanations you have given to us and we do not, therefore, express any opinion on the Financial Statements. Saj Accountancy Services Ltd Suite 201, Antelope Walk Offices Antelope Walk Dorchester DT11BE ST THOMAS INDIAN MALANKARA ORTHODOX CHURCH POOLE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31 MARCH 2025 Income Unrestricted Restricted Total CHURCH BULIDING FUND SUBSCRIPTION OFFERTORY ARREARS COLLECTED DIOCESE COVER COLLECTION BIRTHDAY COLLECTION XMAS CAROL MMVS BANK INTEREST RECEIVED AUCTION INCOME FEAST OF ST MARY GENERAL DONATION OVBS REGN FEES-2023 SUNDAY SCHOOL REGISTRATION 2024 FAMILY GETTOGETHER-RAFFLE OCYM-MGOCSM HMRC- GIFT AID -2024 FAMILY TOUR- ADVANCE RECD 690 00 690.00 16415.00 5800.25 600.00 75.00 30.00 870.00 946.29 2634.49 3401.10 125.00 879.29 501.00 515.00 750.00 188.50 9910.32 1750.00 16,41500 5,800,25 600.00 75.00 3000 870.00 946,29 2,272.43 3,401,10 12500 879.29 501.00 515.00 750 00 188.50 9,910.32 1,750.00 362 06 Total 45,029.18 1052.06 46081.24 enses VICAR ALLOWANCE GUEST VICAR ALLOWANCE WORSHIP EXPENSES RENT PAID FOR THE CHURCH IHALL BANK CHARGES DIOCESE CONTRIBUTION PAID 2023-24 MISSION SUNDAY SEMINARY DAY CATHOLICATE DAY OVBS 2024 MMVS SUNDAY SCHOOL OCYM- MGOCSM ACCOUNTING CHARGES MOMENTOS AND GIFTS REFRESHMENT INSURANCE - PUBLIC LIABILITY COMPUTER AND MOBILE FEAST OF ST THOMAS -PERUNNAL EXPENSES SURVEY FEES - HOLT CHURCH FAMILY GErroGETHER FAMILY TOUR ADVANCE PAID CHARITY- JULIA, BHF, UNICEF, ST ADHLEMS POSTAGE AND STATIONERY OTHER EXPENSE Total Expenses 6,500.00 850.00 157.39 2,849,20 163.27 900.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 427.29 395.91 670.51 300.00 150,00 8.92 61.47 360.00 767.67 831.77 3,520.02 1,248.26 1,15000 750.00 40.04 160.00 22,561.72 6,500.00 850.00 157.39 2,849.20 163.27 900.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 427.29 395.91 670.51 300.00 150.00 8.92 61.47 360.00 767.67 831.77 3,520.02 1,248.26 1,150.00 750.00 40.04 0.00 22561.72 Excess of I ome over expense 22467.46 1052.06 23519.52 Fr Joe (Vicar) Mr Mathe (Trustee) Varughese Mrs Mlnlmol Sunny (Internal Auditor) STTHOMAS IND￿N MALANKARA ORTHODOX CHURCH POOLE BALANCE SHEET AS AT31 MARCH 2025 CURRENT ASSETS Cash in Hand 73.60 Cash at Bank-current Account 2,285.40 134,955.12 19,550.04 3,241.96 111,452.50 18,502.98 Cash at Bank-Fixed Balance Cash at Bank-Building Fund 156,790.56 133,271.04 CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year Net Assets 156,790.56 133,271.04 NET ASSETS 156,790.56 133,271.04 The funds of the charity.- Unrestricted funds Opening Current year Surplus Transfer to Building Fund 113,768.60 22,467.46 81705.46 32,563.14 1,500.00 136,236.06 113,768.60 Restricted funds Opening Current year Surplus Transfer from Current account 19,502.44 1,052.06 12,813.33 5,189.11 1,500.00 Total Unrestricted Funds 20,554.50 19,502.44 TOTAL CHARfry FUNDS 156,790.56 133,271.04 Frjoem (Vicar) hew Mr Math (Trustee) Varughese Mrs Minimol Sunny (Internal Auditor) ST THOMAS INDIAN MALANKARA ORTHODOX CHURCH POOLE Chari No.1142499 The Branksom St. Aldhelms CentrePOOLE 401 Poole Road Branksome POOLE BH12 1AD FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 ST THOMAS INDIAN MALANKARA ORTHODOX CHURCH POOLE CONTENTS ACCOUNTANTS, REPORT STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES BALANCE SHEET PAGE I ST THOMAS INDIAN MALANKARA ORTHODOX CHURCH POOLE ACCOUNTANTS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES ON THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 In accordance with the engagement letter, and to assist you to fulfil your duties under the Companies Act 2006, we have compiled the Financial Statements of the charity which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, and the related notes from the accounting records and information and explanations you have given to us. This report is made to the Charity's Board of Trustees, as a body, in accordance with the terms of our engagement. Our work has been undertaken so that we might compile the Financial Statements that we have been engagement to compile, report to the Charity's Board of Trustees that we have done so, and state those matters that we have agreed to state to them in this report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Board of Trustees, as a body, for our work or for this report. You have acknowledged on the Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025 your duty to ensure that the charity has kept proper accounting records and to prepare Financial Statements that give a true and fair view under the Charities Act 2011. You consider that the charity is exempt from the statutory requirement for an audit for the period. We have not been instructed to carry out an audit of the Financial Statements. For this reason, we have not verified the accuracy or completeness of the accounting records or information and explanations you have given to us and we do not, therefore, express any opinion on the Financial Statements. Saj Accountancy Services Ltd Suite 201, Antelope Walk Offices Antelope Walk Dorchester DT11BE ST THOMAS INDIAN MALANKARA ORTHODOX CHURCH POOLE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31 MARCH 2025 Income Unrestricted Restricted Total CHURCH BULIDING FUND SUBSCRIPTION OFFERTORY ARREARS COLLECTED DIOCESE COVER COLLECTION BIRTHDAY COLLECTION XMAS CAROL MMVS BANK INTEREST RECEIVED AUCTION INCOME FEAST OF ST MARY GENERAL DONATION OVBS REGN FEES-2023 SUNDAY SCHOOL REGISTRATION 2024 FAMILY GETTOGETHER-RAFFLE OCYM-MGOCSM HMRC- GIFT AID -2024 FAMILY TOUR- ADVANCE RECD 690 00 690.00 16415.00 5800.25 600.00 75.00 30.00 870.00 946.29 2634.49 3401.10 125.00 879.29 501.00 515.00 750.00 188.50 9910.32 1750.00 16,41500 5,800,25 600.00 75.00 3000 870.00 946,29 2,272.43 3,401,10 12500 879.29 501.00 515.00 750 00 188.50 9,910.32 1,750.00 362 06 Total 45,029.18 1052.06 46081.24 enses VICAR ALLOWANCE GUEST VICAR ALLOWANCE WORSHIP EXPENSES RENT PAID FOR THE CHURCH IHALL BANK CHARGES DIOCESE CONTRIBUTION PAID 2023-24 MISSION SUNDAY SEMINARY DAY CATHOLICATE DAY OVBS 2024 MMVS SUNDAY SCHOOL OCYM- MGOCSM ACCOUNTING CHARGES MOMENTOS AND GIFTS REFRESHMENT INSURANCE - PUBLIC LIABILITY COMPUTER AND MOBILE FEAST OF ST THOMAS -PERUNNAL EXPENSES SURVEY FEES - HOLT CHURCH FAMILY GErroGETHER FAMILY TOUR ADVANCE PAID CHARITY- JULIA, BHF, UNICEF, ST ADHLEMS POSTAGE AND STATIONERY OTHER EXPENSE Total Expenses 6,500.00 850.00 157.39 2,849,20 163.27 900.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 427.29 395.91 670.51 300.00 150,00 8.92 61.47 360.00 767.67 831.77 3,520.02 1,248.26 1,15000 750.00 40.04 160.00 22,561.72 6,500.00 850.00 157.39 2,849.20 163.27 900.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 427.29 395.91 670.51 300.00 150.00 8.92 61.47 360.00 767.67 831.77 3,520.02 1,248.26 1,150.00 750.00 40.04 0.00 22561.72 Excess of I ome over expense 22467.46 1052.06 23519.52 Fr Joe (Vicar) Mr Mathe (Trustee) Varughese Mrs Mlnlmol Sunny (Internal Auditor) STTHOMAS IND￿N MALANKARA ORTHODOX CHURCH POOLE BALANCE SHEET AS AT31 MARCH 2025 CURRENT ASSETS Cash in Hand 73.60 Cash at Bank-current Account 2,285.40 134,955.12 19,550.04 3,241.96 111,452.50 18,502.98 Cash at Bank-Fixed Balance Cash at Bank-Building Fund 156,790.56 133,271.04 CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year Net Assets 156,790.56 133,271.04 NET ASSETS 156,790.56 133,271.04 The funds of the charity.- Unrestricted funds Opening Current year Surplus Transfer to Building Fund 113,768.60 22,467.46 81705.46 32,563.14 1,500.00 136,236.06 113,768.60 Restricted funds Opening Current year Surplus Transfer from Current account 19,502.44 1,052.06 12,813.33 5,189.11 1,500.00 Total Unrestricted Funds 20,554.50 19,502.44 TOTAL CHARfry FUNDS 156,790.56 133,271.04 Frjoem (Vicar) hew Mr Math (Trustee) Varughese Mrs Minimol Sunny (Internal Auditor)